Russia is rushing to scatter its strategic bombers across remote airfields after a massive Ukrainian drone strike crippled a major portion of its air fleet.
At a Glance
- Russia is relocating bombers to remote bases in the Arctic and Far East to avoid further Ukrainian drone strikes.
- A June 1 drone offensive hit five airbases, damaging or destroying at least 13 aircraft.
- Satellite imagery confirmed losses including Tu-95 and A-50 aircraft at Olenya and Belaya.
- German officials estimate 10% of Russia’s long-range bomber fleet was affected.
- The operation marks the longest-range strike of the war, spanning over 4,000 km.
Russia Goes Underground—Too Late?
In a sign of strategic panic, the Kremlin is relocating its bomber fleet to distant bases like Tiksi and Ukrainka, trying to shield them from Ukrainian drones. This drastic move follows a successful Ukrainian operation that struck five key Russian airfields, including Olenya, Ivanovo-Severny, and Belaya. Reuters reports that U.S. intelligence expects further dispersals as Russia reevaluates airbase security.
The June 1 drone blitz—known as Operation Spider’s Web—used 117 drones launched from disguised mobile sheds. According to The Guardian, the drones were driven close to airbases and deployed using remotely opened rooftops. Advanced navigation systems allowed them to hit fuel tanks and aircraft even when GPS signals were jammed.
What Was Hit—and Why It Matters
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claims the strike hit 41 aircraft. Independent U.S. assessments confirm that at least 10 were destroyed and 10 more severely damaged, including Tu-95s, Tu-22M3s, Tu-160s, and A-50 radar planes. German officials estimate the strike wiped out up to 10% of Russia’s strategic bomber capacity.
Many of the destroyed aircraft are aging Cold War relics, difficult or impossible to replace. Their loss further depletes Russia’s long-range strike capabilities and erodes Moscow’s ability to project power into Ukrainian and NATO-controlled airspace.
Drone War Reaches a Tipping Point
This operation marks the most ambitious Ukrainian drone strike to date—extending over 4,000 km into Russian territory using AI-enabled navigation and low-cost components. The effectiveness of the strike raises serious questions about the vulnerability of high-value military assets in the age of drone warfare.
Faced with mounting losses, Russia has resumed long-range bomber patrols over the Baltic, seeking to maintain the appearance of strength. But as assets scatter to the Arctic and beyond, the psychological edge may now belong to Kyiv.
