On June 1, 2025, Ukraine executed Operation Spiderweb, an out of syllabus drone attack that targeted five Russian airbases deep within enemy territory. Striking over 4,300 kilometers from the frontlines, the operation damaged or destroyed 20 to 41 aircraft, including nuclear-capable bombers, in what some Russian bloggers called “Russia’s Pearl Harbor.” This strike not only a significant blow to Russia’s military might and it’s image but also an example for Ukraine’s transformation into a global leader in drone warfare.
What Was Operation Spiderweb?
Operation Spiderweb was a well planned drone strike orchestrated by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) targeting Russia’s strategic air assets. On the night of June 1, 2025, 117 First-Person View (FPV) drones struck five airbases across Russia’s vast territory: Belaya in Siberia, Olenya near the Arctic Circle, Dyagilevo near Ryazan, Ivanovo Severny, and Ukrainka in the Amur region. These bases housed critical aircraft, including Tu-95 Bear, Tu-22M3 Backfire, and Tu-160 Blackjack bombers, as well as A-50 radar detection planes, which are essential for Russia’s long-range missile striking capabilities. According to Ukrainian officials, the attack damaged or destroyed 41 aircraft, inflicting an estimated $7 billion in losses. The operation’s unprecedented reach, with Belaya 4,300 km from Ukraine’s frontlines, highlighted Ukraine’s ability to attack deep into Russian territory.
A Masterclass in Covert Operations
The success of Operation Spiderweb lay in its 18-month planning process, overseen by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and SBU head Vasyl Malyuk. Ukrainian operatives smuggled 117 FPV drones into Russia, concealing them in wooden containers with retractable roofs mounted on trucks. These mobile launch platforms were positioned near the target airbases, with one reportedly just few kilometers from Russia’s FSB headquarters. On the night of the attack, the containers opened remotely, and the drones swarmed their targets, bypassing Russia’s air defenses with precision.
The operation’s execution shows Ukraine’s operational discipline. All agents involved were evacuated before the strikes, ensuring no operatives were left behind. OSINT analysts, including Pasi Paroinen of the Finnish Black Bird Group, noted that the drones exploited Russia’s lack of fortified hangars, targeting aircraft parked on open tarmacs. The use of mobile launch platforms allowed Ukraine to strike without flying drones across borders, a tactic honed in earlier attacks on Russian infrastructure.
Cost effective game changers
Ukraine’s drones are not just game-changers. They make Hollywood blockbusters look like reckless spending sprees! Each FPV drone used in Operation Spiderweb cost around $4,000. Less than a weekend shopping spree at a fancy mall. Compare that to the $300 million price tag of a single A-50 radar aircraft or the $7 billion in total damages inflicted on Russia’s air force. That’s right, Ukraine’s drones are cheaper than the average rom-com movie budget but pack enough punch to leave Russia’s military reeling.
This combination of low-cost hardware and sophisticated tactics has made Ukraine a model for modern warfare. As retired U.S. Army commander Mark Hertling noted, Ukraine’s drones are “aces in the hole,” offering unmatched cost-effectiveness against high-value targets. Retired Admiral James Stavridis gave the best possible title to explain this military masterclass. He named it ”The Modern Trojan Horse”.
