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Ukraine has launched a successful wave of drone attacks targeting strategic bombers at Russian military air bases, in reportedly the largest single-day attack since the war began.
Ukrainian armed forces allegedly used civilian trucks carrying shipping containers to transport the drones throughout five regions in Russia, before launching them in coordinated strikes on 1 June.
The “Operation Spiderweb” attacks, reportedly involving more than 117 airborne first-person view drones, occurred in the Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions.
“An absolutely brilliant outcome. And an outcome produced by Ukraine independently … This is our longest-range operation,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a social media post following the attacks.
The damages, including the potential destruction of more than 40 long-range bombers worth 36 per cent of Russia’s strategic aviation capability, are reportedly beyond US$7 billion.
“What a breathtaking and daring operation by the Ukrainian Security Service. Operation Spiderweb,” Ukrainian ambassador to Australia and New Zealand Vasyl Myroshnychenko said.
“Eighteen months in the making, executed with surgical precision, and the result? A devastating blow to Russia’s airpower: one-third of their strategic bombers destroyed at key military airfields. The estimated damage? A staggering $7 billion.
“This isn’t just a tactical win … it’s a historic milestone in modern warfare. Just a reminder, Moscow turned to Jakarta earlier this year, hoping to base this kind of strategic aviation in Indonesia’s easternmost province.”
Early reports from European media have speculated that the drones specifically targeted fuel cells and line of each bomber aircraft, used fibre-optic cables to resist jamming, and the transport trucks were rigged to explode at the conclusion of the operation.
Mick Ryan, a senior fellow for military studies in the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program, described the drone attack as a three—punch-combo directed at Russia.
“In the wake of previous attacks of this type, it will force the Russians to review where they have their strategic aviation assets based, and how the bombers and associated base infrastructure is protected,” he said.
“This may force the Russians to move their aircraft more frequently to avoid detection or move them even further from Ukraine. It will also force Russia to potentially redeploy air defence assets from elsewhere, although whether this is from the frontline or other strategic locations remains to be seen.
“Second, depending on just how many aircraft have been destroyed or damaged, it will reduce the number of Russian bombers that can carry and launch long-range missiles against Ukraine.
“This is an important Ukrainian objective because these missiles are harder to intercept, are more accurate, and carry a much larger warhead than drones can. The bomber-deployed missiles generally achieve a higher rate of penetration of Ukrainian defences than drones. Degrading Russia’s means to launch these missiles is crucial to Ukraine’s protection of its people, infrastructure and overall war effort.
“Next, this will have an influence on Ukrainian morale – for civilians and soldiers. Morale always matters during war. And when Ukraine is being pummelled by hundreds of Russian drones on an almost nightly basis, people want to see counter punches. While Ukraine has regularly hit back with massive drone strikes of its own against strategic targets in Russia, this is perhaps the most spectacular one for a long time.
“Finally, as a prelude to the scheduled peace negotiations in Istanbul this week, Ukraine is signalling to its supporters that it remains in the fight, that Russia is still struggling to make progress in Ukraine, and that the yet-to-be revealed Russian negotiating position must be viewed critically.”
Ryan, who has previously served in the Australian Army across deployments in East Timor, Iraq, and southern Afghanistan, said the attack is unlikely to break Russia’s resolve, but could inform military strategy regarding the use of drones.
“Beyond the war in Ukraine, this attack once again emphasises the impact of drones on warfare. It is a salutary lesson about balancing small numbers of exquisite weapon systems with large numbers of cheaper capabilities,” he said.
“It is a lesson that military bases, in war zones and at home, are now more vulnerable than ever to cheap, easily hidden and quickly deployed weapons that can appear with little notice.
“The attacks are yet another harbinger of future war that many Western military institutions are yet to fully accept.”
Former prime minister of Australia Scott Morrison, who has been travelling in Ukraine to attend the recent Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa, said it was inspiring to observe everyday Ukrainians living defiantly in the face of Russia’s criminal war.
“It has been a privilege these last few days to be in Odesa as part of the Black Sea Security Forum, to show my ongoing support for Ukraine, along with so many others, including good friend Secretary Mike Pompeo and Tony Abbott who has been such an indefatigable supporter of the Ukrainian cause,” he said.
“The event was defiantly held at the Odesa Opera House, a magnificent historic building, which has been stoically restored after it had been significantly damaged during Russian bombing. Its restoration is a remarkable statement about the resilience of the citizens of Odesa.
“It has now been more than three years since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine when I had the responsibility as PM to lead Australia’s swift response with military, humanitarian and economic aid that continues to this day. I was humbled during my visit to learn how Australia’s efforts continue to be so fondly appreciated.
“While in Odesa, I also had the opportunity to attend the Odesa Prayer Breakfast and join in prayer for Ukraine’s future and especially for those who have lost so much during this awful conflict.
“Thanks to Lord Ashcroft for supporting the event and his broader efforts in supporting Ukraine. Slava Ukraini.”
