Spiderweb Operation: Drone Strikes Destroyed Russian Bombers in $7 Billion

Ukraine’s Security Service (SSU) has released new footage from its special operation, Spiderweb, capturing the destruction of Russian strategic bombers.

The video traces the full flight path of one of the SSU’s FPV drones — from launch atop a modular building to impact with a Tu-22M3 strategic bomber at Belaya airbase in Russia.

The footage shows the drone traveling a significant distance before entering the airfield unimpeded, where smoke can be seen rising from other previously hit aircraft.

The SSU targeted four Russian military airfields during the operation: Olenya, Ivanovo, Diagilevo, and Belaya — all key bases for Russia’s strategic aviation, which has repeatedly launched missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.

“The estimated value of the equipment damaged in the Security Service’s special operation Spiderweb exceeds $7 billion,” the SSU reported.
According to the agency, total Russian aviation losses amount to 41 aircraft, including A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22, Tu-160, An-12, and Il-78 models.

Satellite imagery has confirmed the destruction of 13 Russian military aircraft at the Belaya and Olenya airbases.

NATO, in turn, stated that Russia lost 34% of its strategic aviation fleet as a result of the Spiderweb Operation.

On June 1, the SSU launched coordinated drone strikes on multiple Russian military airfields using drones pre-positioned in advance. The operation — 18 months in planning — was dubbed a “new Tsushima” by Ukrainian commentators, referencing Russia’s historic 1905 naval defeat.

According to official statements, the SSU used 117 strike drones, which were transported into position by truck.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an address later that day, disclosed additional details of the operation, noting that the Ukrainian command post on Russian territory was located near an FSS headquarters.