Operation Spider’s Web

On June 1, 2025, Ukraine’s SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) launched a highly coordinated long-range drone operation, codenamed “Spider’s Web”, targeting multiple Russian military airbases deep within Russian territory, including one in Irkutsk, Siberia — approximately 4,000–4,300 km from the frontlines.

Key Elements of the Operation:

• Covert Deployment:
  Ukraine smuggled FPV drones hidden in the roofs of mobile wooden sheds transported by trucks into Russian territory.
• Remote Activation:
  These shed roofs were remotely opened, releasing the drones near air bases without arousing suspicion.
• Precision Swarm Attack:
  The drones launched simultaneous attacks on at least five Russian airbases, reportedly destroying or damaging around 41 strategic bomber aircraft.

Strategic Targets Hit:

• Irkutsk Region Air Base:
  A key site housing Tupolev Tu-22M supersonic bombers, which have been used by Russia for long-range missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.
• Other bases struck were not all named publicly but spanned Russia’s deep interior.