Putin’s £260 Million Spy Plane Reportedly Shot Down, Falling from the Sky

Russia’s prized military aircraft, the Beriev A-50, worth approximately £260 million, was reportedly shot down near Ukraine. According to Ukrainian military sources, the incident occurred over the Sea of Azov, south of the frontline.

The Beriev A-50, a relic from the Soviet era, plays a crucial role in command and surveillance, using advanced radar technology to detect missiles and aircraft on the battlefield while coordinating Russian fighter jets. Reports suggest that only eight operational A-50s remain in Vladimir Putin’s fleet, raising concerns about the potential presence of senior officers on board. The fate of those on board remains unclear.

A Russian Il-22′ airborne command post’ was also reportedly hit (Picture: E2A

Sources from the RBC-Ukraine agency claim that the Ukrainian military brought down the A-50 during a patrol near Kyrylivka around 9:10 pm on Sunday. Intercepted communications include a Russian pilot witnessing the aircraft catching fire and plummeting from the sky. There are also speculations about the possibility of friendly fire causing the incident.

Ukrainian Air Force Commander General Mykola Oleshchuk shared a message on Telegram shortly after the incident, stating, ‘This is for Dnipro! Burn in hell, you Inhumans! PS No details yet,’ without explicitly referring to the downing.

It is reported that only nine A-50s were in active service last year out of the approximately 40 built since the 1980s. On the same evening, another significant Russian command plane, the Ilyushin Il-22 airborne command post, was reportedly hit by Ukrainian missiles, compelling it to return to base.

Intercepted audio from Russian air traffic control revealed an urgent request for an ambulance and fire engine for casualties on board the Il-22. A pro-Putin Telegram channel, claiming sources in Russia’s intelligence services, suggested that the Russian Il-22 in the Sea of Azov area was hit by Russian air defence protecting the Crimean Bridge. The pilot managed to land the plane with at least two reported injuries.