Ukraine Launches 'Spider Web' Drone Operation, Targeting Four Russian Airbases; 41 Military Aircraft Destroyed. Satellite imagery confirms the destruction of 41 military aircraft, including Tu-22 and Tu-95 bombers.
Russia-Ukraine: The ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia has entered a new phase. A large-scale drone operation recently conducted by Ukraine targeted multiple Russian airbases, resulting in the destruction of numerous Russian bombers. Satellite imagery and drone footage have confirmed the extent of the damage. This article details the operation and its potential implications.
Largest Aerial Attack on Russia with 117 Drones
Ukraine recently launched an attack on four major Russian airbases using 117 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Reuters-verified drone footage and satellite images confirm significant damage to Russian bomber aircraft at at least two locations.
This operation was strategically executed using drones launched from containers. The drones were launched from close proximity to the targets, enabling effective penetration and strikes within Russia.
Satellite Imagery Reveals the Devastation
Capella Space, a satellite company, shared images of the Irkutsk airbase taken on June 2nd, the day after the attack. These images show numerous bomber aircraft damaged or completely destroyed on the runway.
Compared to traditional satellite imagery, these images, captured using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, offer greater accuracy and clarity. SAR data identifies objects by sending energy pulses to the ground and analyzing their echoes, providing clear visuals regardless of cloud cover or haze.
Strategic Bombers like Tu-22 and Tu-95 Destroyed
According to John Ford, a research associate at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, drone footage and SAR imagery clearly indicate that at least two Tu-22M3 'Backfire' bombers were completely destroyed. Additionally, four Tu-95 'Bear' bombers were either destroyed or severely damaged.
Both aircraft types have been used by Russia in cruise missile strikes against Ukraine. The loss of these aircraft represents a significant blow to Russia's strategic capabilities.
41 Aircraft Damaged, Estimated Loss of $7 Billion
The Ukrainian intelligence agency, SBU, named this operation 'Spider Web'. The agency claims that a total of 41 Russian military aircraft were either destroyed or severely damaged in the attack. This includes strategic bombers and other fighter jets.
According to the SBU, the attack caused approximately $7 billion in economic damage to Russia. Furthermore, 34% of the affected bombers were capable of carrying cruise missiles.
Russian Airbases Targeted
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that Ukraine attacked airbases in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and the Amur region. Murmansk and Irkutsk suffered the most significant damage. Images from these locations show burning Tu-95 bombers and large explosions.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that air defense systems intercepted some attacks, but in other locations, the defense systems failed. This highlights vulnerabilities in Russia's air defense capabilities.
Russia's Response: 'Retribution is Inevitable'
Dmitry Medvedev, a top Russian security official, responded bly to the attack, stating that "retribution is inevitable". The Kremlin has launched an investigation into the attack, and it is anticipated that Russia may retaliate forcefully in the coming days.
Ukrainian President's Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the operation, calling it "absolutely brilliant". He stated that this campaign will play a significant role in weakening Russia's military capabilities.
ISW Analysis: Russia Needs to Change its Strategy
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) stated in its report that this attack could force Russia to make significant changes to its air defense strategy. The report suggests that Russia will now need to deploy mobile air defense units capable of rapid response to protect its airspace.
This attack is considered one of Ukraine's most effective operations since the start of the war in 2022.
