Russia's hunted A-50 command planes are its eyes over Ukraine. Here's how it compares to the Boeing E-3 Sentry.

Wed, 04/17/2024 - 14:36

A US E-3 Sentry, at left, and a Russian A-50 are early warning aircraft that play critical roles in military operations. — A US E-3 Sentry, left, and a Russian A-50 are early warning aircraft that play critical roles in military operations.
Staff Sgt. Michael Battles/US Air Force, Misha Japaridze/AP Photo

Ukraine's most significant aircraft kills in 2024 are two Russian A-50 command planes.
The A-50 can track over 150 targets simultaneously and relay them to a dozen fighters jets.
The E-3 Sentry fills a similar role, and has played an active role in Ukraine from the sidelines.

Ukraine's embattled air defense network started 2024 with a string of successes.

In the first three months of the year, the country claimed to have intercepted at least 1,011 missiles and loitering munitions, and shot down at least 16 jets of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) — 13 of which were downed in just two weeks.