Ukraine’s covert drone offensive has crippled a third of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet, marking a dramatic escalation in the war and exposing vulnerabilities deep inside Russian territory.
At a Glance
- Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb destroyed or damaged 41 Russian military aircraft across four airbases.
- The attack utilized 117 drones, some guided by AI, launched from concealed trucks within Russia.
- Damaged aircraft include nuclear-capable Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers, and rare A-50 surveillance planes.
- Estimated financial damage exceeds $7 billion, significantly impacting Russia’s long-range strike capabilities.
- Russia responded with a massive counterattack, launching over 400 drones and missiles across Ukraine.
Strategic Pivot
On June 1, 2025, Ukraine launched Operation Spiderweb, a coordinated drone assault targeting Russia’s strategic airbases at Belaya, Dyagilevo, Ivanovo, and Olenya. The campaign was orchestrated by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), which reportedly smuggled drone components into Russia and assembled them in-country. Drones were then launched from civilian trucks camouflaged near the targeted airfields.
The drones—117 in total, some reportedly featuring AI-guidance systems—targeted high-value assets. These included Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers, both of which are capable of carrying nuclear payloads, as well as rare A-50 early warning and control aircraft. Satellite imagery verified widespread damage, with at least 21 aircraft visibly destroyed or disabled.
Watch a report: Ukraine releases new footage of drone attack on Russian strategic bombers.
Risk and Opportunity
The scale and precision of Operation Spiderweb mark a turning point in asymmetric warfare. Ukraine’s ability to deploy long-range, AI-enabled drones from within enemy territory represents a significant leap in tactical innovation. Analysts suggest the strike may have neutralized up to a third of Russia’s long-range bomber fleet, dealing a critical blow to Moscow’s power projection.
However, the tactical victory came at a cost. In response, Russia unleashed a retaliatory barrage of over 400 missiles and drones, striking Ukrainian cities like Kharkiv and Kherson. Civilian infrastructure suffered heavily, and at least three people were reported killed.
This tit-for-tat escalation reflects the war’s increasingly technological and unpredictable nature. While Ukraine’s drone tactics may offer a temporary strategic edge, they also raise the stakes for a more aggressive Russian counter-response. As both sides refine their methods, the balance of power may hinge less on manpower or munitions, and more on who adapts faster to the battlefield of the future.
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Author: Editor
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