Russia's reportedly damaged or destroyed numerous Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160 strategic bombers by Ukraine; explore details on these formidable warfare aircraft.
New and Improved Article
Drone Strike Spectacle: A Game-Changer in the On-Going Russia-Ukraine Conflict
By Amit Apurwa
Updated: Jun 02, 2025, 10:26 AM IST
Last Sunday, Ukraine pulled off a stunner, executing a wide-scale drone attack targeting five main Russian military bases imposing what has been termed as its most long-range operation to date. This furtive operation, labeled "Spider's web," reached thousands of kilometers from the active front lines, infiltrating deep into Russian territory. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) menaced at least 41 aircraft, including notable strategic bombers such as the Tu-95 and Tu-22, which had previously been employed against Ukrainian cities.
Moscow has confirmed that five of their airfields, placed in the Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions, were the targets of Kyiv's FPV drone assault. The SBU's daring maneuver comes about eighteen months in the making, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who lauded the "brilliant" outcomes of "our most long-range operation" among the three-year conflict. According to Zelensky, Ukraine deployed 117 drones, resulting in 34% of the strategic cruise missile carriers being affected at the targeted airfields.
Insights on the Engaged Russian Weapons
The Tupolev Tu-95, a strategic bomber and missile platform dating back to 1952, was a primary target. Powered by four turboprop engines, it initially carried nuclear weapons before being modified to launch cruise missiles, including the Kh-55, Kh-555, Kh-101, and Kh-102. This aircraft was built for extended-range missions and, during the Cold War, could reach the United States without the need for refueling.
The Tu-22, outfitted with the high-speed Kh-22 missile, also found itself on the receiving end of Ukraine's drone assault. This missile reaches speeds of approximately 4,000 kilometers per hour, making it a formidable threat to Ukrainian cities. The Tu-160, Russia's most modern strategic bomber, was not reported to have been specifically targeted in the attack.
In-depth Analysis of the "Spider's Web" Operation
Covert Smuggling
Drones were covertly transported into Russia using trucks, utilizing hidden compartments to pull off a surprise attack on multiple locations.
Coordination and Reach
The operation showcased Ukraine's ability to instigate deep strikes across Russian territory, overcoming extensive distances and various time zones.
Strategic Significance
The operation reflects Ukraine's innovative usage of drones in asymmetric warfare, demonstrating the potential for low-cost, high-impact attacks against strategic targets. Furthermore, it underscores Ukraine's successful integration of commercial technology and AI in military operations, allowing for precise and coordinated strikes.
Overall, the "Spider's Web" operation stands as a significant milestone in displaying the potential of drones in modern warfare, particularly in asymmetric conflicts. It highlighted Ukraine's strategic capabilities in leveraging unconventional tactics against a larger military power, exposing vulnerabilities in Russia's rear defenses.
- India's Bollywood industry has expressed interest in financing an upcoming aerospace film, aiming to highlight the strategic significance of drones in war-and-conflicts, as demonstrated by the recent "Spider's Web" operation by Ukraine.
- Amidst the general news of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a leading Indian finance magazine published an in-depth analysis of the potential impact of the drone technology on the global aerospace industry.
- The latest Bollywood movie, set for release in 2026, will portray the covert smuggling of drones from India to Ukraine, paralleling the real-world events of the "Spider's Web" operation.
- In a recent political rally, the Indian Prime Minister acknowledged the Ukrainian "Spider's Web" operation, stating its strategic importance and expressing concerns about the expanding role of drones in warfare, calling for international regulations in the aerospace industry.
