Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb: Inside the Covert Drone Strike on Russian Air Bases

Written By Vlada Tolochyna

KYIV — Ukraine has executed one of the most daring and complex covert operations of the war, striking deep inside Russian territory using hundreds of drones in an unprecedented blow to Moscow’s strategic aviation forces. The mission, known as Operation Spiderweb, was carried out by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) after more than a year of clandestine planning and execution — combining espionage, advanced drone technology, and covert logistics.

A Secretive Build-Up: Planning and Infiltration

According to reporting in The Wall Street Journal, the operation required meticulous coordination over 18 months and involved smuggling more than 100 Ukrainian-made drones across thousands of miles of Russian territory hidden inside seemingly ordinary cargo trucks.

  • The drones — small, agile quadcopters equipped with explosives — were concealed under the roofs of specially constructed wooden containers resembling mobile cabins.

  • Unsuspecting Russian truck drivers were hired to transport these containers toward launch points near Russian airfields.

  • At predetermined locations the roofs were opened remotely, releasing the drones to begin their missions.

The covert phase included intelligence work, electronic communication planning, and remote control systems that allowed operators in Ukraine to guide the drones once launched.

Execution: Deep Strikes on Strategic Assets

On June 1, 2025, Ukrainian forces initiated the attack, sending swarms of drones at multiple Russian air bases deep inside Russian territory. Official Ukrainian counts claim dramatic success: dozens of Russian warplanes were damaged or destroyed, striking at the heart of Moscow’s Long Range Aviation — a key pillar of its military strike capability.

Targeted bases included several major airfields hosting strategic bombers. Satellite imagery and open-source analysis suggest that high-value aircraft such as Tu-95s, Tu-22M3s and others were hit, potentially degrading Russia’s ability to conduct long-range missions.

The SBU later released imagery and claims that point to successful hits on many of these aircraft, though precise totals remain contested by independent analysts and Russian authorities.

Challenges and Near Failures

Despite the eventual success, WSJ reporting reveals the operation faced several unexpected obstacles: delays due to logistical issues, and even moments when elements of the plan nearly unraveled. One truck driver reportedly discovered the concealed drones and raised concerns before being reassured — a moment that could have compromised the entire mission.

Multiple routes and timing adjustments were required to ensure the final launches went ahead as planned.

Impact and Strategic Significance

Experts and Ukrainian officials describe Operation Spiderweb as one of the most damaging air strikes against Russia’s bomber fleet since the invasion began. The strike showcased Ukraine’s growing capability to use unmanned systems and asymmetric tactics to strike targets far beyond frontline fighting.

For Russia, the attack underscored vulnerabilities in its internal air defense and military infrastructure — particularly its long-range aviation units that until now had been relatively distanced from direct Ukrainian firepower.

Official Reactions and Broader Context

The Kremlin confirmed that such an attack took place but offered limited details, characterizing it as a “terrorist act” and downplaying the operational damage. Western officials have noted the complexity of the mission and its implications for future engagements.

In Kyiv and allied capitals, the operation has been framed as a demonstration of Ukraine’s resolve and ingenuity in the face of overwhelming odds.

What Comes Next

As the war enters its fourth year, Ukraine’s use of drones — both in tactical and strategic roles — continues to evolve, forcing recalibrations in both Ukrainian and Russian military strategy. Operation Spiderweb, whatever its long-term impact, signals a new chapter in the employment of unmanned systems on a grand strategic scale.

What Comes Next

Primary Reporting on Operation Spiderweb

Analysis & Context

Broader Military & Strategic Commentary

Vlada Tolochyna
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