In a remarkable display of tactical prowess, Ukraine has executed what is being hailed as the most audacious drone attack in military history. High-resolution satellite imagery of several air bases deep within Russia reveals a fleet of Russian Air Force jets parked on the tarmac, including strategic bombers, transport aircraft, and airborne warning aircraft. This operation, dubbed Operation Spider Web, involved the targeted assault on five Russian air bases, some located hundreds of kilometers inside Russian territory.
The air bases that were the focus of this meticulously planned attack include:
Belaya Air Base in Irkutsk, Siberia - over 4,500 km from the border Olenya Air Base in Murmansk, Arctic region - over 2,000 km from the border Ivanovo Severny Air Base in Ivanovo - over 800 km from the border Dyagilevo Air Base in Ryazan - over 520 km from the border Ukrainka Air Base in Russia's Far East - over 8,000 km from the borderEach of these bases displayed defensive measures, likely in an effort to shield their military jets from potential drone strikes. For instance, a pre-strike image of the Belaya Air Base captured the Tu-160, a cornerstone of the Russian Air Force, with tires placed on its wings and fuselage—a tactic to protect the aircraft from damage.
Evidence from the satellite images indicates that the Russian military employed various decoys, including painted replicas of aircraft on the tarmac, to create the illusion of a fully manned airbase. These strategic decoys were intended to mislead and deter drone attacks. However, they were ultimately ineffective against the Ukrainian drone assault, which was executed with remarkable precision.
A video captured at the Belaya Air Base shows thick plumes of black smoke rising, indicating that the Ukrainian operation had successfully penetrated Russian defenses.
At the Olenya Air Base, situated in the Arctic, satellite images revealed multiple Russian Tu-22 aircraft, a key element used to counter enemy aircraft carriers. Additionally, the Tu-95 bombers—also strategically significant—were confirmed to have been parked on the tarmac and were identified as primary targets during the Ukrainian offensive. Post-attack footage from Olenya shows smoke billowing from the bombers, showcasing the impact of the drone strikes.
Images from the Ivanovo Severny Air Base highlight Russia's advanced A-50 AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft. These assets are crucial for effective military operations, and with several already lost during the ongoing conflict, damage to these remaining AWACS could severely undermine Russia’s aerial capabilities.
Further analysis of the Dyagilevo Air Base revealed the presence of Ilyushin IL-78 tankers, essential for aerial refueling. Similar to other bases, decoys were employed here too, attempting to obscure the true status of the aircraft. Meanwhile, at the Ukrainka Air Base, the Tu-95 bombers were also found parked, raising concerns about the extent of the damage inflicted.
As assessments continue, preliminary reports from Ukraine suggest that as many as 41 Russian military jets may have been destroyed in this Trojan-horse-style attack, where drones were covertly concealed within container trucks. This unprecedented strike caught Moscow off-guard, primarily due to the considerable distance of these airbases from the Ukraine-Russia border, which had previously been thought to safeguard them from attacks.
While Western allies have provided Ukraine with advanced missiles, such as the US-made ATACMS and the British-French-made Storm Shadow, none possess the range necessary to effectively target these deep-lying Russian air bases. The success of Operation Spider Web marks a significant shift in the conflict, highlighting Ukraine's evolving military strategies and capabilities.
