BREAKING NEWS: A very “fat” target was hit at an aircraft factory in the Russian Federation, – General Staff

This happened during a strike by the Defense Forces on the 123rd aircraft repair plant in the Novgorod region.

Damage to the A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft , which was being serviced by the 123rd aircraft repair plant in the Novgorod region of the Russian Federation, has been confirmed, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports.

It is noted that the results of the March 17, 2026 attack on the facilities of the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in the city of Staraya Russa (Novgorod Region, Russian Federation) have been clarified.

“Additionally, damage to the A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft has been confirmed. It was on the territory of the enterprise for maintenance and, possibly, was awaiting modernization,” the report said.

The General Staff emphasized that the Defense Forces of Ukraine will continue to strike important objects of the occupiers’ military-industrial complex until the Russian Federation’s armed aggression against Ukraine is completely stopped.

A-50 aircraft: what you need to know

As you know, the A-50 long-range radar detection and control aircraft, also called “flying radar”, are crucial in the Russian air control system.

The operation of the A-50 allows the Russians to quickly respond to air threats, in particular, the approach of Ukrainian aircraft and cruise missiles.

Experts noted that before the full-scale invasion, Russia had up to 10 such aircraft. Several A-50 aircraft were shot down by the Ukrainian Defense Forces. No one is naming the exact number now, but according to experts, the Russian Federation may have up to 5 A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft and modernized A-50Us today. The Russian Federation cannot produce these unique aircraft at the moment.