Will Russia resurrect a plane from the past? Insights from an intelligence report
According to a report from the British Ministry of Defense, it is believed Russia is contemplating the re-launch of the Soviet reconnaissance plane M-55 (NATO code Mystic B). This move could potentially enhance its restricted surveillance abilities over Ukraine.
2:48 PM EST, November 19, 2023
The daily intelligence briefing revealed that the M-55, which currently serves as a research platform in Earth science and operates at altitudes exceeding 68,900 feet, was recently spotted fitted with a military surveillance module designed for Russian fighters.
Russia's Achilles' heel
Reportedly, the key fault in Russia's acquisition strategy lies in the failure to develop adequate Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities. These capabilities are pivotal for the swift and precise tracking of targets by air, sea, and ground forces.
"The possibility of the M-55 returning to frontline service to bolster Russia's constrained ISTAR abilities over Ukraine is quite real. High-altitude operations allow sensors to function over a considerable distance. It is highly likely the plane will execute missions against Ukraine from the relatively secure Russian airspace," the report detailed.
