Militarnyi reported that following Ukraine’s operation Spiderweb that targeted Russian strategic bombers at five bases, Russia was forced to redeploy key elements of its strategic aviation fleet to airbases in the Far East, complicating its ability to launch missile strikes on Ukrainian territory.
Amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, Moscow has been extensively using its strategic bomber fleet—originally intended as part of its nuclear deterrent—for launching conventional cruise missil
Militarnyi reported that following Ukraine’s operation Spiderweb that targeted Russian strategic bombers at five bases, Russia was forced to redeploy key elements of its strategic aviation fleet to airbases in the Far East, complicating its ability to launch missile strikes on Ukrainian territory.
Amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, Moscow has been extensively using its strategic bomber fleet—originally intended as part of its nuclear deterrent—for launching conventional cruise missiles against Ukraine. Earlier this month, a coordinated Ukrainian drone strike destroyed a double-digit number of Russian bombers, delivering a significant blow to Russia’s capacity for large-scale air-launched missile attacks.
According to OSINT sources, including the Tracking Telegram channel, two Tu-160 bombers previously based at Belaya airbase were relocated to the Anadyr airfield. An additional five Tu-160s were moved to Yelizovo airbase. These facilities are located 6,770 km and 7,250 km from Ukraine respectively.
Tu-95MS carrying eight Kh-101 cruise missiles—its maximum payload. Photo via Militarnyi.
Meanwhile, Tu-22M3 bombers based at Olenya are periodically transferred to Sovetsky airfield in the Komi Republic, approximately 2,400 km from Ukrainian borders. Tu-95MS aircraft now operate between Olenya, Engels-2, and Ukrainka airbases.
For launching Kh-101 cruise missiles, Tu-95MS bombers stationed at Ukrainka must fly at least 7,000 km to reach launch areas near Saratov Oblast, and then return another 5,400 km. This creates a 12,400 km mission round trip, lasting up to 23 hours in the air.
Operational impact and aviation strain
Russia’s dispersal of its strategic bombers aims to reduce vulnerability by spreading aircraft across remote airbases. However, this has introduced significant complications, including excessive flight time, accelerated wear of aging airframes, heightened crew fatigue, and increased maintenance costs, Militarnyi notes. The added distance also increases the likelihood of technical failure or human error, raising the risk of crashes.
The strain on Russian aviation logistics could in the long run reduce the frequency of air-launched cruise missile strikes on Ukraine.
SBU’s Operation Pavutyna
On 1 June 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) launched Operation Pavutyna (“Spiderweb”), a large-scale special operation targeting Russia’s strategic bombers. The targets included Belaya, Ivanovo, Ukrainka, Olenya, and Dyagilevo airbases.
Militarnyi says preliminary assessments indicate that at least 8 Tu-95MS (or Tu-95MSM), 12 Tu-22M3, 2 A-50 early warning aircraft, 1 An-12 transport plane, and possibly 1 Il-78M tanker were hit by Ukrainian drone strikes.
Though a full set of satellite images has not yet been published. Notably, the strike on one Tu-95MS seen in satellite imagery is not included in the videos.
“In addition, the video footage released by the SBU is incomplete: it does not show the damage to one of the Tu-95MS aircraft, which is visible in satellite images,” Militarnyi wrote.
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A new report by Defense Express identifies Ukrainian Osa (“Wasp”) FPV drones produced by First Contact as the likely unmanned aircraft used in the Security Service of Ukraine’s (SBU) highly successful 1 June Spiderweb operation targeting Russian strategic bombers on their home bases.
The SBU has assessed the damage inflicted by the Pavutyna (“Spiderweb”) operation, which struck Russian bomber airbases including Olenya and Belaya thousands kilometers away from Ukraine, as amounting to $7 billion.
A new report by Defense Express identifies Ukrainian Osa (“Wasp”) FPV drones produced by First Contact as the likely unmanned aircraft used in the Security Service of Ukraine’s (SBU) highly successful 1 June Spiderweb operation targeting Russian strategic bombers on their home bases.
The SBU has assessed the damage inflicted by the Pavutyna (“Spiderweb”) operation, which struck Russian bomber airbases including Olenya and Belaya thousands kilometers away from Ukraine, as amounting to $7 billion. A total of 117 FPV drones were used in the strikes, which reportedly disabled 34% of Russia’s air-launched cruise missile carriers, including Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 bombers.
Visual confirmation of drone model through unique design
Based on images from the preparation phase of the operation within Russian territory, Defense Express highlights drone units stored in hive-like structures under the roofs of mock pre-made houses, which were delivered by trucks to areas near Russian airbases.
According to Defense Express, these images reveal distinctive elements matching the Osa drone, including its thick enclosed frame housing all electronics, a fixed power port, and a front-placed antenna near the camera, rather than the usual rear placement.
Drones hidden in “containers” – mock pre-made gomes used to deliver drones to the vicinity of Russian airbases. Photo: multiple social media sources
Unlike most other FPVs that use an open skeletal frame and top-mounted cables, the Osa employs a sealed construction, which Defense Express argues made it more suited for long-distance transport inside trucks and resilient enough for use in various weather conditions.
Combat capability and final preparation on Russian soil
Further confirmation came through a high-resolution photo published by Censor.net. A bottom-up view of the drone reveals unique ventilation holes and confirms the presence of integrated skids, which served as shaped-charge warheads, according to a reader clarification. Defense Express notes that final drone assembly or arming still occurred on Russian territory prior to deployment.
Drones used against Russian bomber bases. Photo: Censor.net
Specifications support suitability for the mission
According to the manufacturer, the Osa FPV drone is capable of carrying up to 3.3 kg of payload, remaining airborne for 15 minutes, and reaching speeds of up to 42 m/s (approximately 150 km/h). These capabilities allow it to maintain stability and control even in stormy conditions — key requirements for a strike operation executed deep within Russian territory.
First Contact’s Osa drone. Manufacturer’s photo
Potential use of AI for targeting
Defense Express also cites indications that the drones involved in the Spiderweb operation may have utilized artificial intelligence to locate, identify, and target vulnerable areas on enemy aircraft. First Contact, the manufacturer of the Osa drone, was already developing and testing AI-enabled drones as of January 2024, suggesting the firm likely had deployable systems by the time of the attack.
In addition to the visual and technical analysis, Defense Express consulted internal sources familiar with the operation. These sources confirmed the high likelihood that the Osa drones produced by First Contact were the exact type used in the deep-strike mission targeting strategic bomber bases.
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Some Ukrainians and Westerners alike have dubbed the 1 June audacious attack on Russian strategic bombers the “Trojan truck” operation, referencing the disguised long-haul vehicles that delivered drones straight close to Russia’s strategic airbases. The destroyed Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers have been used to bomb Ukraine since 2022.
Some even pointed to Princess Olha of Kyiv — who in the 10th century famously sent flaming birds received as tribute back to Drevlian capital to torch it, after the Drev
Some Ukrainians and Westerners alike have dubbed the 1 June audacious attack on Russian strategic bombers the “Trojan truck” operation, referencing the disguised long-haul vehicles that delivered drones straight close to Russia’s strategic airbases. The destroyed Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers have been used to bomb Ukraine since 2022.
Some even pointed to Princess Olha of Kyiv — who in the 10th century famously sent flaming birds received as tribute back to Drevlian capital to torch it, after the Drevlians killed her husband, Prince Ihor. Olha’s retaliation is possibly the world’s first “drone warfare.” Now, more than a millennium later, Ukraine’s drones once again delivered fire into enemy strongholds.
Many Russians called it their “Pearl Harbor.” However, unlike Japan’s unprovoked attack on the US naval base in 1941, Ukraine hit back at bombers responsible for missile strikes on civilian cities.
Ukraine says 41 Russian bombers destroyed in record-range drone strike using disguised trucks
According to the SBU and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s most far-reaching drone strike to date destroyed 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers at their home airfields.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) sources said earlier today that the operation destroyed “over 40” Russian military aircraft across multiple airbases.
So far, seven aircraft have been visually confirmed destroyed, according to Ukrainian OSINT sources, with upcoming satellite imagery expected to verify additional damage.
Zelenskyy: “Absolutely brilliant” op planned inside Russia, right next to FSB
In a Telegram post and national video address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the operation as “absolutely brilliant” and “unique.” He said planning lasted one year, six months, and nine days, and that Ukrainian operatives had been safely extracted from Russian territory before launch.
“Our people operated on the territory of various Russian regions — across three time zones. On the eve of the operation, our personnel were withdrawn from Russian territory, and those who assisted us are now safe,” Zelenskyy said.
He revealed that the strike was coordinated from inside Russia, “right next to an FSB office” in one of the oblasts. Zelenskyy praised SBU chief General Vasyl Maliuk for leading the mission and said it would go into history books. He instructed the SBU to publish available public details.
117 drones reportedly used, 34% of missile-carrying bombers hit in Operation Web
The SBU named the mission Operation Spiderweb (Pavutyna) and confirmed it was executed across three Russian time zones. The operation used 117 drones to target strategic bombers capable of launching cruise missiles, according to Zelenskyy.
Vasyl Maliuk looking at satellite images of five Russian air bases: Olenya, Dyagilevo, Belaya, Ivanovo, and Ukrainka. Photo: SBU
SBU states that 34% of Russia’s strategic missile-carrying aviation was damaged or destroyed. The value of affected aircraft was estimated at $7 billion. In a defiant message, the agency quoted Ukrainian author Lina Kostenko:
“Did you think Ukraine would be that easy? Ukraine is something extraordinary. Ukraine is one of a kind. It has been run over by every steamroller of history. It has endured every kind of trial. It is tempered by the highest forge. ”
Confirmed losses: at least 8 aircraft destroyed at Olenya and Belaya
Open-source intelligence analysts confirmed the destruction of eight Russian aircraft as of 18:00:
5 Tu-95MS strategic bombers
2 Tu-22M3 bombers
1 An-12 transport aircraft
Destruction was confirmed at two airbases — Belaya in Irkutsk Oblast and Olenya in Murmansk Oblast — via available combat footage and satellite imagery. OSINT Dnipro reported fires in areas where additional aircraft, including Tu-160s, were parked, suggesting the final number may rise. The channel dismissed rumors of 40 destroyed planes as “nonsense” but said 10+ is likely.
In any case, the satellite images will settle the final score.
Belaya airbase: at least three bombers destroyed in Irkutsk Oblast
Militarnyi notes that the Belaya airbase, located northwest of Usolye-Sibirskoye in Russia’s Irkutsk Oblast, is home to the 326th Heavy Bomber Aviation Division. Satellite imagery from 31 May showed large numbers of bombers stationed at the base.
OSINT analysis confirmed that two Tu-22M3 and one Tu-95MS bombers were destroyed during the Ukrainian attack. Fires were observed at parking areas used by additional aircraft.
Olenya airbase: at least four aircraft destroyed in Murmansk Oblast
The Olenya airbase, located on the Kola Peninsula, hosts strategic bombers from several regiments under the 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Division.
Confirmed destruction includes three Tu-95MS bombers and one An-12 transport aircraft. The base may have also housed Tu-160 and additional Tu-22M3 aircraft at the time of the strike.
Trojan trucks and AI-trained drones
Footage and OSINT confirmed that Ukraine used long-haul trucks and trailers to secretly deliver drones near Russian airfields. Once in position, the trucks served as launch platforms, releasing FPV drones at close range to evade Russian long- and medium-range air defenses.
In Irkutsk and Murmansk oblasts, videos showed drones launched from trucks, followed by self-destruction of the vehicles by fire.
Telegram channel Clash Report also stated that AI targeting systems were trained using real aircraft at the Poltava Museum of Long-Range and Strategic Aviation, which displays Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers — the same models targeted in the operation.
Ukrainian Telegram channels analyzed photos related to the operation that surfaced earlier today — including images showing drone containers — and identified a warehouse facility inside Russia that matched the visuals. The facility was geolocated to a warehouse in Chelyabinsk Oblast, at 28A Sverdlovsky Trakt, reportedly rented by the company Dan-Invest. The facility is located near the Kazakhstan border, which may have served as a supply route for components.
Geolocation of a facility, used to assemble Ukrainian drones and launchers. Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia. Source: Telegram/Kravchuk
This supports President Zelenskyy’s claim that drones and launchers were assembled on Russian territory.
Failed strike attempt in Amur Oblast caught on video
In Russia’s Far East, a drone strike attempt near the Ukrainka airbase in Amur Oblast failed. Video shows a truck on fire, followed by an explosion when a man tries to open the trailer.
The vehicle is believed to have been another disguised launcher that failed to reach its intended point.
Four airbases were reportedly targeted in drone operation
On 1 June, Russian authorities reported drone attacks in four oblasts. Ukrainian intelligence sources told Suspilne that the SBU coordinated a multi-target operation against Russian long-range aviation at:
Belaya (Irkutsk Oblast)
Olenya (Murmansk Oblast)
Dyagilevo (Ryazan Oblast)
Ivanovo airbase (Ivanovo Oblast)
Sources claimed over 40 aircraft were hit, including A-50 early warning planes, Tu-95MS, and Tu-22M3 bombers. Also, a fire was reported at an airbase in Voskresensk, Moscow Oblast.
As of now, independently confirmed destruction is limited to Olenya and Belaya, with additional data expected from satellite review.
Update:
Russia downplays the Ukrainian air assault
Russia’s Defense Ministry called the Ukrainian attack on purely military facilities, hosting hardware used against Ukraine, a “terrorist act.“
The Ministry claimed that all drone attacks on airfields in Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur oblasts were successfully “repelled.” However, it admitted that fires broke out at airbases in Murmansk and Irkutsk after FPV drones were launched from areas “in direct proximity” to the sites, and “several units of aircraft equipment caught fire.”
MoD insisted the fires were quickly extinguished and there were no casualties. It also announced that “some participants in the terror attacks” had been ostensibly detained.
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Russian air force suffers devastating blow it will not recover from. The loss of strategic missile-carrying bombers destroyed or damaged today is a blow Russia will not be able to compensate for, according to military analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko.
Today, Russia lost over 40 aircraft, either destroyed or damaged, including valuable strategic bombers of various types. The Ukrainian strikes hit four military airfields, including the Olenya airbase near Murmansk and the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk Ob
Russian air force suffers devastating blow it will not recover from. The loss of strategic missile-carrying bombers destroyed or damaged today is a blow Russia will not be able to compensate for, according to military analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko.
Today, Russia lost over 40 aircraft, either destroyed or damaged, including valuable strategic bombers of various types. The Ukrainian strikes hit four military airfields, including the Olenya airbase near Murmansk and the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk Oblast.
The unique feature of this operation was that the drones didn’t fly from Ukraine, instead, they were transported by truck closer to the targets and launched from minimal distance. They were controlled by artificial intelligence, which selected targets autonomously.
Kovalenko stresses that aircraft like the Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 are no longer manufactured in modern Russia. What Russian propaganda calls “new” aircraft are merely refurbished Soviet-era units.
“To this day, Russia has not produced a single brand-new Tu-22M3 or Tu-160 from scratch — only reassembled legacy models from the Soviet era. In fact, everything that was damaged or destroyed today is beyond restoration and certainly can’t be replaced by new production,” Kovalenko says.
The loss of the Tu-160 is especially painful for Russia. It is the most expensive and unique aircraft in the Russian Aerospace Forces, a true “unicorn,” as Kovalenko puts it.
“Sadly, it’s not the last unicorn. If there’s a true last unicorn, it would be the A-50 early warning aircraft. I think even more spectacular news about that might be coming soon!” he adds.
Earlier, Ukrainian journalist Yurii Butusov said the Security Service smuggled 150 small strike drones and 300 munitions into Russia, 116 of which took off during the latest operation against Russian aircraft.
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