An advanced Russian aircraft could have been accidentally destroyed by the very Russians trying to protect it, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) believes.

An A-50U MAINSTAY D aircraft was shot down on Friday 23 February over the territory of Krasnodar in the South of the Sea of Azov – possibly the latest incident involving friendly fire by Russia.

“There is a remote chance that the Russians inadvertently shot down their own aircraft while attempting to protect it,” the MOD said.

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“This is the second A-50 destroyed in as many months. Russia only began operating A-50 aircraft over the Sea of Azov in November 2023. On 14 January 2024, Ukraine successfully targeted an A-50 in that area,” wrote the MOD in its latest intelligence update.

“This forced Russian decision-makers to consider safer operating areas for the aircraft. This latest Ukrainian success has demonstrated a continued Russian inability to protect high-value air assets. It brings into question the efficacy of Russian air planners.

“The Russian Air Force will be able to cover the immediate loss of the A-50 because they have seven operational airframes remaining.

“Yet the loss of two experienced specialist mission crews in as many months is highly likely to induce further strain and combat fatigue on the remaining force if they are to sustain constant operations.”

The MOD believes the aftermath of this incident may cause the Russian Air Force to reconsider which areas to operate in.

Multiple incidents of Russian friendly fire have taken place this year, including Russia destroying one of its own advanced combat jets.

The most significant factors contributing to these repeated incidents are thought to be poor training combined with inexperienced crews.