Operation Spider Web
Kyiv, June 2025 — In a bold and unprecedented military move, Ukraine carried out a special operation codenamed “Operation Spider Web,” striking deep into Russian territory using advanced drone technology. The mission targeted five major airbases in Russia and reportedly destroyed or damaged dozens of aircraft, including strategic bombers.
What Happened?
The operation was executed by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) with support from military intelligence. According to Ukrainian sources, over 117 drones were used to strike airbases in five different regions of Russia, located thousands of kilometers from the front lines.
The main targets were high-value military aircraft, including long-range bombers and early warning planes. These aircraft are typically used by Russia to launch cruise missile attacks across Ukraine.
How It Was Done
What makes Operation Spider Web unique is the method of drone delivery:
Drones were hidden in wooden sheds or cabins, which were then transported into Russian territory using trucks.
Once in position near the target airbases, the drones were launched remotely.
Some of the drones were autonomous, capable of hitting targets without GPS or manual control.
This innovative approach allowed Ukrainian forces to bypass traditional air defenses and reach critical military targets without risking the lives of pilots or troops.
Damage Report
Ukrainian officials claim the operation:
Destroyed or seriously damaged over 40 aircraft, including strategic bombers like the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3.
Caused an estimated $7 billion in damage to Russian military assets.
Significantly reduced Russia’s ability to launch long-range missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Experts suggest that this may be one of the most damaging airbase strikes since the beginning of the conflict
Smart Warfare: AI Drones at the Front
Some of the drones used in the operation were powered by artificial intelligence, allowing them to find and hit their targets autonomously. These drones did not require GPS, making them harder to jam or stop. They were reportedly trained using visual data to recognize fuel tanks, aircraft types, and other important targets.
The timing of this operation is especially significant. It happened just before proposed peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, signaling that Ukraine is not only ready to defend itself but also capable of launching precise and effective counterattacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the operation as a “brilliant success” and highlighted the growing strength of Ukraine’s defense industry.
