[dabigv13]

It's possible that the flares and chaff both deploy at same time as a countermeasure on the A-50, we're only able to see the flares. But the operators knew something was lighting them up in any case. Another possibility would be a shorter range takedown by some sort of commando force behind enemy lines with a IR missile. The Ukrainian Air Force and Intelligence Department jointly claimed credit.

[dabigv13]

It's possible that the flares and chaff both deploy at same time as a countermeasure on the A-50, we're only able to see the flares. But the operators knew something was lighting them up in any case. Another possibility would be a shorter range takedown by some sort of commando force behind enemy lines with a IR missile. The Ukrainian Air Force and Intelligence Department jointly claimed credit.