In a significant action, on the morning of Sunday, June 2, 202,5, Ukraine has used drones more widely in the war than ever before. Dubbed Operation Spiderweb, it was prepared over a period of 18 months and destroyed many Russian airbases, even in Siberia. Based on information from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), there were around 117 drones involved in the attack, which hit four important airbases and caused an estimated loss of around $7 billion in aircraft. This event is considered a major step forward in Ukraine’s military strategy, showing they now have more advanced ways of fighting with drones.
What is Operation Spiderweb?
The idea behind Operation Spiderweb was to remove the threat of Russian air power in the region. The team avoided sending long-range drones from Ukrainian land, which might have been detected easily, and instead used a secret network to get the FPV drones into Russia. These drones were hidden in containers shaped like sheds, which were placed on trucks near airbases in Russia. When the order was given, the roofs of the containers opened on their own, releasing many drones for an accurate, up-close attack.
How the Drones Were Launched Inside Russia
The team used short-range drones with an FPV feature, which were effective at close range. These drones were comprised of:
- Hidden inside disguised containers
- Activated remotely by Ukrainian operators
- Controlled using live FPV feeds for accurate strikes
This method allows Ukraine to bypass Russia’s air defense radars, which would have easily recognized drones traveling all the way from Ukraine. Russian strategic bombers and surveillance planes were targeted by the Alliance.
Targets Hit: Russia’s Strategic Bombers and Surveillance Planes
The Ukrainian military confirmed that 41 planes were damaged during the operation, including important Russian planes.
- A-50 aircraft used for early warning and control purposes
- Tu-22s and Tu-160s are supersonic bombers.
- Tu-95 strategic bombers, which can both carry nuclear weapons and launch cruise missiles
Some fighter planes were located more than 2,500 miles (4,000 km) away from the border with Ukraine. The furthest missile attack happened at Belaya airbase in Irkutsk, Siberia, displaying Ukraine’s ability to strike the most far-off targets inside Russia.
Locations of the Airbase Strikes
It was reported that drone attacks targeted four main Russian airbases.
- Belaya airbase (Irkutsk) is more than 4,000 km away from Ukraine.
- Murmansk’s Olenya airbase, where long-range bombers are stationed
- Ryazan’s Dyagilevo airbase is famous for being used in Russian military operations.
- Ivanovo Severny airbase (Ivanovo) is a key site for the army.
A Defense Ministry statement says that the attack ignited multiple military jets and the police arrested a number of individuals, though no one was hurt.
The Use of Drones Is Increasing in Ukraine
From the moment Russia attacked, Ukraine has had to work hard to resist an enemy force that is much bigger and better armed. Yet, Ukraine has made use of technology and new ideas to close the gap.
Over the last two years, Ukraine has significantly improved its drone technology, so it can now use a large fleet for surveillance, fighting and distant strikes. The Spiderweb operation shows how Ukraine’s unmanned aerial tactics are now outsmarting traditional Russian defenses.
Why FPV Drones Are a Game-Changer?
FPV drones give operators a real-time video feed, allowing for precise targeting. Their small size and low cost make them hard to detect, especially when launched from within enemy territory. These drones can be easily controlled by trained operators located in Ukraine or safe zones near the Russian border.
Zelenskyy Praises the Operation
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called the success of the mission brilliant and applauded his country’s intelligence and military forces. He confirmed that 117 drones were deployed and one operator ran each drone. The president explained that over a third of the strategic cruise missile carriers at the targeted airbases were destroyed. He said that before the operation started, all the agents who placed the drones in Russia were safely removed from danger.
Inside the Containers: A Hidden Arsenal
The Containers Reveal an Unseen Weapon
The SBU gave photos of wooden containers that resemble small sheds. A number of small drones were arranged inside, resting on wooden beams, so they were only hidden by all the wood. With the help of an automatic lift under the containers, the lid was opened and all the drones took off at once. This plan explains how Spiderweb’s camouflage, careful planning and the right timing made the operation work well.
How does the world respond to this crisis?
The achievements of Operation Spiderweb prove that Ukraine can interfere with Russia’s military efforts from inside Ukrainian territory. The situation also makes people more concerned about the safety of Russian airbases that house planes that can carry nuclear weapons.
Only damage from the fires and arrests has been confirmed by the Russian government. Even so, military experts think this operation could:
- Make Russia move its aircraft farther to the east.
- Spare assets from being used for active battlefield duties
- Spread distrust and lower the soldiers’ morale on the Russian side.
Why This Matters: A New Era of Warfare
The use of the Spiderweb strike indicates that warfare is evolving. Asymmetric tactics have been the strategy for Ukraine, involving them using many approaches together rather than directly attacking their enemy.
- Cyber capabilities
- Airborne attacks from unmanned aircraft
- Secret and covert intelligence work
The capacity to hit critical targets far within enemy land, free from danger, gives a major advantage. It minimizes the number of deaths and adds pressure to the opponent.
What Plans Does Ukraine Have for Its Drone Army?
Following the Spiderweb success, Ukraine is likely to continue developing:
Drones are being developed with a range that is becoming greater and AI for flight control.
Russian officials are facing fresh types of hidden shipments from foreign actors.
Running covert activities with the help of people from the area or changing the way supplies are delivered
The strengthened partnership with Western allies is predicted to lead to the expansion of Ukraine’s technological capacities. Experts are predicting that long-range drone attacks will take place more often in the future.
International Reactions and Support
Developed nations have quietly commended Ukraine’s skilled and effective actions. This achievement makes it easier to argue for ongoing support with military and technological resources to Ukraine. In addition, it demonstrates that warfare now takes place in both physical arenas and in online, logistical and strategy-related activities. At the same time, Russia could strengthen its internal security, raise its counterintelligence work and improve its systems for counter-drone technology to thwart another attack.
Conclusion
The Spiderweb attack on Ukraine by drones has greatly changed the direction of the war. It proves that Ukraine is able to deliver strategic strikes that cause a lot of damage, without having to run the risks of traditional air raids or sending missiles. It shows that Ukraine is skilled, adaptable and is learning to use today’s military technologies effectively. As Ukraine conducts more such missions, it is influencing both the fighting and the views of the people fighting against it.
FAQs
Ukraine secretly sent FPV drones into Russia to attack Russian airbases which is known as Operation Spiderweb.
Drones were found in disguised containers near the airbases in Russia. Remote controls operated the roofs on the containers, which was convenient for launching the drones without being seen.
The Ukrainian SBU said that 41 Russian planes were destroyed or badly damaged, including types for surveillance and bombing and the total loss was approximated at $7 billion.
They carried out actions on four different bases: Belaya (Irkutsk), Olenya (Murmansk), Dyagilevo (Ryazan) and Ivanovo Severny (Ivanovo).
Ukrainian forces showed how modern drone strikes are able to hit important targets deep within the enemy’s territory.
