Russia intends to return the M-55 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft to the skies, British intelligence

British intelligence spoke about the enemy's plans for the M-55 / Channel 24 Collage (Photo by the occupiers and Getty Images)

British intelligence has reported that Russia may be considering returning the Soviet M-55 aircraft to service. He can carry out a mission against Ukraine.

British intelligence officials have said the M-55 is a Soviet-era high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. In early November, the media wrote that the Kremlin had reactivated this plane.

What is known about the likely reactivation of the M-55

Intelligence officers noted that the Russian invaders are considering the possibility of returning M-55 aircraft to the front for reinforcement:

• limited capabilities of the Russian intelligence system,
• observation,
• passion goals;
• reconnaissance over the territory of Ukraine

There is a realistic possibility that the M-55 will return to frontline service to bolster Russia's limited reconnaissance capabilities over Ukraine. Working at high altitude allows the sensors to operate over a considerable distance, the British Ministry of Defense said.

According to them, it is almost certain that the plane will carry out missions against Ukraine in relatively safe Russian airspace.

British intelligence officials have observed that Russia's critical weakness is its failure to develop adequate intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities.

What is known about the Russian M-55

• The occupiers published a photograph online, from which it follows that Russia could have reactivated and resumed flights of the rare M-55 high-altitude aircraft. He flew from the Ramenskoye airfield near Moscow.
• The Soviet Union began to create a high-altitude aircraft under the designation M-17 “Stratosphere” back in the 60s to intercept American U-2 reconnaissance aircraft or high-altitude balloons. However, it was first flown into the sky only in 1982.
• Considering the fact that at that time balloons had already lost their relevance, the USSR decided to change the profile of the project and a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft for missile guidance. Moscow first flew the M-55 into the sky in 1988.
• In 1996, the aircraft were converted to conduct scientific experiments of a civilian nature. In 1996-1997 they participated in the study of the Arctic stratosphere, and in 1999 they were in Antarctica.
• From open data it is known that the Kremlin produced a total of 5 M-55 aircraft.