Intensified Russian Il-20 Surveillance Flights Over Belarus: A Strategic Shift
In the midst of ongoing instability in Eastern Europe, intelligence reports indicate a marked increase in Russian reconnaissance operations utilizing Il-20 electronic surveillance aircraft within Belarusian airspace. These flights are primarily aimed at collecting comprehensive data on Ukrainian air defense radar systems. Defense analysts note that this escalation aligns with Ukraine’s efforts to bolster its military defenses amid mounting Russian pressure. The Il-20, equipped with sophisticated electronic intelligence (ELINT) technology and capable of extended missions, remains a critical asset for gathering battlefield information that shapes strategic military decisions.
Belarus’s role as a forward…