What type of strikes did Ukraine use in Operation Spiderweb to hit Russian air bases in June 2025?

In June 2025, Ukraine executed a remarkable and audacious series of attacks on Russian air bases known as Operation Spiderweb, utilizing covert drone (Deals) strikes to achieve its objectives. This intricate operation saw Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) agents orchestrating a coordinated assault deep within Russian territory, targeting strategic bomber aircraft at multiple airfields. The covert nature of these strikes was a key factor in their success, allowing Ukraine to bypass traditional air defenses and inflict significant damage.

The "covert" aspect of Operation Spiderweb involved an ingenious method of deployment. Instead of launching drones from Ukrainian-controlled territory, which would be easily detectable, the SBU smuggled numerous short-range, first-person view (FPV) drones into Russia. These drones were hidden within containers transported by trucks, which then positioned themselves near the targeted air bases. At the opportune moment, the container roofs were remotely opened, releasing swarms of drones to strike valuable Russian aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 strategic bombers and A-50 surveillance planes. This approach allowed Ukraine to achieve unprecedented geographical reach, with some strikes occurring thousands of kilometers from the Ukrainian border, even reaching Eastern Siberia.

Operation Spiderweb was the culmination of over 18 months of meticulous planning and showcased Ukraine's innovative advancements in drone warfare. The strikes reportedly damaged or destroyed dozens of Russian military aircraft, delivering a substantial blow to Russia's long-range aviation capabilities and causing an estimated $7 billion in losses. Beyond the material damage, the operation had a significant psychological impact, shattering the perception of Russia's strategic depth and demonstrating that its military assets were vulnerable even far from the front lines. This sophisticated use of covert drone technology marked a notable escalation in the conflict and offered a glimpse into the evolving nature of modern warfare.