Ukrainian forces have dealt a significant blow to the Russian air force by shooting down one of their remaining Beriev A-50M/U radar-early-warning planes. The incident occurred on January 14 when a Ukrainian missile struck an A-50 and an accompanying Il-22 radio-relay plane flying over the Sea of Azov, resulting in the loss of all 15 crew members on board.

The A-50's importance in monitoring Ukrainian air space and providing early detection of incoming missiles and drones has been highlighted by ongoing Ukrainian strikes targeting Russian logistics and warships in occupied Crimea. After Ukrainian attacks destroyed ground-based radars in Crimea, the Russian air force shifted its A-50s to cover the gaps in radar coverage.

Following the shoot-down of the A-50, the Russian air force attempted to protect the remaining aircraft by keeping them farther from the front line. However, another A-50 was destroyed yesterday over Krasnodar Krai, Russia, killing all 10 crew members on board. The Ukrainian Center for Defense Strategies reported that the A-50 was 120 miles from the front line at the time of its destruction.

With only seven surviving A-50M/U planes left, the Russian air force faces challenges in maintaining early-warning radar coverage along the Ukrainian front line. The Kremlin now must decide which region of the front will no longer have airborne radar coverage due to the loss of A-50s. The situation raises questions about Russia's ability to monitor Ukrainian airspace effectively in the face of continued Ukrainian missile and drone strikes.

It remains to be seen how the Ukrainians will capitalize on the gaps in Russian aerial radar coverage and whether they will intensify their attacks on strategic targets in response to the weakened Russian monitoring capabilities.