The Russian A-50U long-range radar detection aircraft is capable of detecting aerial targets earlier than ground-based radar systems due to its high-altitude operation. This was stated by military observer, retired Colonel Viktor Litovkin.
According to the expert, the A-50U cruises at an altitude of several kilometers. This allows it to detect Flamingo, Storm Shadow, or SCALP missiles at distances of up to 215 km.
Litovkin clarified that the A-50U is capable of tracking drones as well, although equipment of that level is not its primary scale.
The A-50U fully meets the tasks assigned to it. The A-50U is needed to identify serious targets, missiles, factories.
According to open sources, there are no more than 10 A-50 AWACS units available. Analysts from the "Voennaya Khronika" publication suggested using Il-114-300 turboprops for these same tasks, but a smaller radar would have to be built.