Ukrainian Intelligence Hacks Russian Strategic Aviation Manufacturer Tupolev

Ukrainian cyber operatives have hacked into the systems of the Tupolev Aerospace Design Bureau, a major Russian aircraft manufacturer specializing in strategic bombers.

Sources cited by Suspilne TV said the operation was conducted by the Main Intelligence Directorate (DIU) of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.

According to the sources, Ukrainian intelligence had been monitoring the bureau’s internal communications for some time before gaining access to more than 4.4 GB of sensitive data.

The leaked files include internal correspondence between company executives, personal data of employees, home addresses, CVs of engineers and designers, procurement documents, and minutes from closed-door meetings.

As part of the attack, hackers defaced Tupolev’s official website, posting an image of an owl gripping a Russian aircraft in its talons — a symbol often associated with Ukrainian military intelligence.

DIU said the breach provides “comprehensive insight” into Tupolev’s operations and personnel involved in maintaining Russia’s strategic aviation fleet.

Intelligence officials suggested the effects of the cyberattack will likely be visible “both on the ground and in the air.”

Tupolev is a key player in Russia’s defense sector.

Its most notable aircraft include:

• Tu-95, a turboprop-powered strategic bomber still in active service;
• Tu-160, a supersonic strategic bomber considered one of the most powerful military aircraft in the world;
• Tu-22M3, a long-range supersonic bomber.

The cyberattack follows a series of Ukrainian strikes on Russian airbases. Satellite imagery has confirmed the destruction of at least 13 military aircraft at the Belaya and Olenya airfields during Spiderweb Operation.