Overview of the Operation
Ukraine's Operation "Spider's Web" represents one of the largest drone attacks orchestrated by the war-torn nation, successfully targeting 41 Russian aircraft stationed at military airfields. This audacious operation was coordinated from an office located directly next to a Russian intelligence headquarters. In a significant acknowledgment, Russia confirmed the attacks on the Olenogorsk airfield in Murmansk and the Sredny airfield in Irkutsk, revealing that the drones were launched from nearby locations using trailer trucks as platforms.
Impact on Russian Military Assets
According to Ukrainian officials, the drones specifically targeted key military assets, including A-50 radar planes and long-range Tu-95 and Tu-22M bombers. These aircraft have been instrumental in Russia's missile attacks on Ukraine and in coordinating air defense operations. Ukraine's security service reported that the operation destroyed approximately 34% of Russia's fleet of air-launched missile carriers, estimating the damage at around $7 billion—although this figure has not been independently verified. The planning and execution of this operation were described as "extremely complex."
Meticulous Planning and Coordination
The unprecedented drone assault was the culmination of over a year and a half of meticulous planning, personally overseen by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy stated that it took "one year, six months, and nine days" from the beginning of planning to the effective execution of the operation.
Strategic Location of Operations
In what could be characterized as a significant intelligence failure for Russia, the Ukrainian operation was directed from an office situated "directly next to FSB headquarters." The FSB is the primary intelligence and security agency in Russia. Zelenskyy commented on the operation's success, emphasizing the unusual proximity of their operational base to Russian intelligence facilities.
Innovative Use of Drones
The drones utilized in the operation were smuggled into Russia, with military sources reporting that they were hidden under roofs and within trucks. At the opportune moment, the roofs of these buildings were remotely opened, allowing the drones to launch and strike Russian bombers effectively. Furthermore, reports indicated that the drones were not launched from Ukrainian territory but rather from locations in close proximity to the targeted airbases. Footage circulating on Russian social media appeared to show drones being launched from containers, with detached panels scattered along the roadside.
This operation underscores Ukraine's innovative tactics and strategic planning in a challenging conflict landscape
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