Ukraine Conducts Secret Drone Operation Targeting Russian Military Bases
Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) recently carried out an unprecedented covert drone strike deep inside Russian territory, targeting key airbases. Dubbed Operation Spider’s Web, the operation reportedly spanned 18 months of preparation and successfully damaged or destroyed 41 Russian warplanes across four airbases, marking one of the boldest assaults since the onset of the conflict.
Details of the Operation
The attack involved the deployment of swarms of first-person-view (FPV) drones launched from concealed compartments built into trucks stationed near the Russian airfields. These drones targeted strategic bombers including Tu-95s and Tu-22M3s, as well as one of Russia's limited A-50 airborne radar aircraft, all critical components of Russia's capabilities to launch missile attacks on Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the operation as historic, highlighting that it affected 34% of Russia's strategic cruise missile carriers. The strikes hit airbases located thousands of kilometers from the Ukrainian border, including Belaya air base in Siberia, Murmansk, Ivanovo, and Ryazan, demonstrating an unprecedented level of Ukrainian infiltration into Russian territory.
Innovative Tactics and Technological Edge
Ukrainian officials revealed that the drones were kept hidden in automated compartments within trucks for days or weeks before launch. Control of the drones utilized fibre-optic cables instead of traditional radio frequencies, enabling them to evade Russian electronic jamming systems effectively.
The released footage showcased the drones maneuvering beneath and above Russian aircraft, some already engulfed in flames, underscoring the precision and impact of the strikes.
Impact and Reactions
- Damage Assessment: Ukraine estimates the damage inflicted at approximately $7 billion, severely crippling Russian aerial capabilities.
- Russian Response: Russia's defense ministry confirmed the attacks, acknowledging fires and damage, though asserting that the situation was contained.
- Pro-Russian Commentary: Military analysts called the strike a significant setback, describing it as a “black day for aviation” and highlighting intelligence failures.
This operation arrives amid escalating tensions, with Russia recently launching a record 472 drones in a single day targeting Ukrainian cities, reflecting an intensification of the ongoing conflict.
Strategic Significance and Future Implications
The success of Operation Spider’s Web not only delivers a substantial military blow but also bolsters Ukrainian morale. It follows previous bold actions, such as the sinking of the Moskva in 2022 and attacks on critical infrastructure like the Kerch Bridge.
SBU Chief Vasyl Maliuk emphasized Ukraine’s resolve, stating, “The enemy thought it could bomb Ukraine with impunity. But we will destroy them everywhere — at sea, in the air, and on land. And if necessary, we’ll get them from underground too.”
Meanwhile, the United States confirmed it was not informed in advance about the operation. A phone conversation between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin occurred shortly after the attack, with Putin reportedly promising a response, underscoring the potential for escalated tensions.
