A few days ago, the Belarusian anti-government organization BYPOL announced that it had damaged drones at Machulyshchi airfield, 12 km from Minsk, seriously damaging Beriev’s A-50 aircraft, known by the NATO codename Mainstay, for early warning and air. management (AVAKS). Although there was no evidence of destruction, on the contrary, today BYPOL released a video taken from a drone.

A drone of the Russian AVACS aircraft at an airfield in BelarusPhoto: YouTube recording

The strange footage shows the drone flying over a military airfield in broad daylight unobstructed, flying close to an A-50 jet and landing unimpeded on the fairing that protects the plane’s radar, where it lingers for a few seconds before continuing its flight. flight.

The video does not show the destruction or damage of the plane.

In addition, after the alleged attack, satellite images did not confirm the destruction or damage of the Russian reconnaissance aircraft.

Although British intelligence was unable to confirm damage to the aircraft, it believed the loss of the A-50 Mainstay would be significant as it was critical to Russian air operations in creating a combat airspace picture. If the Belarusian aircraft was damaged, it would mean that only six other A-50s would be operational and operational, further limiting Russia’s air operations.

The Beriev A-50 aircraft, the main NATO code, is a Russian airborne early warning aircraft that has on-board control capabilities and the ability to escort up to 60 targets simultaneously.

The aircraft is the equivalent of the AWACS system used by NATO for surveillance.

The BYPOL organization includes former police officers who support opposition politicians. Minsk classified it as a terrorist organization.