Ukraine has released dramatic new footage revealing the scale and precision of its largest drone assault yet on Russian military airbases, targeting the heart of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet. The operation, codenamed "Spider Web," involved over 100 drones and struck deep into Russian territory, reaching airfields as far as Siberia and the Arctic Circle.
The attack, launched on June, reportedly damaged or destroyed at least 41 Russian military aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers, as well as rare A-50 airborne early warning planes These bombers have played a key role in Russia’s long-range missile strikes against Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Satellite imagery and video released by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) show drones homing in on parked bombers and landing on the dome antennas of A-50 planes, though no explosions are visible in the footage Analysts have confirmed that several bombers at Olenya air base in Murmansk and Belaya air base in Irkutsk were hit, with debris and wreckage visible on runways.
The Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged that some aircraft were damaged in Murmansk and Irkutsk, but claimed other attacks were repelled and downplayed the overall impact Independent verification of the full extent of the losses remains difficult, but open-source intelligence and satellite images confirm significant damage at multiple sites.
The operation showcased Ukraine’s growing capability to strike high-value targets far from the front lines, using drones launched from concealed containers near Russian airbases Some drones reportedly operated autonomously using artificial intelligence when signals were lost, following preplanned routes to their targets.
While Russia has attempted to shield its bombers with makeshift defenses, including covering aircraft with old tires, the effectiveness of these measures has been widely mocked on social media The attack has prompted criticism from Russian military bloggers and highlighted vulnerabilities in Russia’s air defense and strategic aviation infrastructure.
As both sides escalate their use of drones, the strike marks a significant moment in the evolving tactics of the Ukraine war, raising questions about the future security of even the most heavily guarded military assets.
