Russia's A‑50 returns: Bolstering defense near Ukraine
Russian early warning aircraft are exceptionally valuable assets for the Kremlin. Before the war, Russia maintained a fleet of no more than 10 operational aircraft, and wartime losses have reduced this number significantly. However, following a hiatus of several months, Ukrainian air forces have detected an A-50 over Ukrainian territory.
Russia commenced the war with nine or ten A-50 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. At least one of these aircraft was damaged at an airport in Belarus, and two more were reportedly destroyed by Ukrainian forces in January and February 2024.
Due to these losses, Russia withdrew its AWACS, as some were so heavily worn that they required urgent repairs. Although these aircraft have remained in use, they have operated far from the Ukrainian borders, deep within Russian airspace, staying beyond the reach of Ukrainian anti-aircraft systems and aircraft.
After a prolonged pause, the Ukrainians have now identified the use of the A-50 much nearer to the front line. As indicated by the Defence 24 service, this might be an effort by Russia to reassert its reconnaissance capabilities or prepare for an offensive.
The role of Russian AWACS
The presence of the A-50 considerably enhances the capabilities of Russian aviation. It enables the early detection of Ukrainian missiles and aircraft, thereby reducing danger to other types of Russian aircraft.
For instance, during Su-34 strike missions, these aircraft fly close to the ground, which makes them harder to detect and target. However, this tactic greatly limits their radar range.
The A-50 acts as the distant "eyes" for the Su-34, scanning the area ahead of the strike aircraft from a distance to ensure a safe passage.
A-50 without a modern successor
It is worth noting that although Russia possesses only a few A-50 aircraft—and they are based on outdated technology—there is no modern successor. The new AWACS A-100 was intended to replace them, but despite the passage of time, this aircraft exists only as a prototype, still far from production-ready status.
The initial schedule envisaged that the new Russian AWACS would be ready by 2018, then 2023, but current predictions suggest 2026. Even once the aircraft is operational, it may be conceptually outdated.
According to Russian experts, including Roman Skomorochov, when Russia eventually deploys the new AWACS, it will be as modern conceptually as the 50-year-old, now-retired, American E-3 Sentry.
Modern Western aircraft with similar functions are being developed using much smaller radars. This allows for the use of smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective planes based on the airframes of commercial jet aircraft.
