On August 28, 2025, Ukrainian forces achieved a historic milestone by successfully striking the Russian corvette Buyan-M, armed with Kalibr cruise missiles, in the Azov Sea using an FPV drone. The attack, carried out by the Ukrainian military intelligence unit HUR, demonstrated a range exceeding 350 km, highlighting the precision capabilities of Ukrainian drones. The Buyan-M’s air defense systems failed to respond, potentially due to radar malfunctions, necessitating significant repairs. This marks the first instance of an FPV drone successfully targeting a military ship of this size and adds to the HUR’s record of successful drone strikes, including the prior destruction of a Russian Su-30 fighter jet.
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Analysis of satellite imagery confirms the destruction of at least 13 Russian military aircraft at Belaya and Olenya air bases following a June 1st Ukrainian drone strike. The attack, codenamed “Spider Web,” involved 117 FPV drones targeting five airfields across three time zones, resulting in the loss of eight Tu-95 and four Tu-22M3 bombers, among other aircraft. This represents a significant blow to Russia’s strategic aviation capabilities, given that these bomber models are no longer in production. The estimated cost of the destroyed aircraft is approximately $7 billion.
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The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) reported that its June 1st “Spider Web” drone operation inflicted approximately $7 billion in damages on Russian military infrastructure, neutralizing 34% of key cruise missile bombers. The operation, planned for over 18 months, utilized FPV drones deployed to four major Russian airbases, including targets over 4,000 kilometers from Ukraine. The attack damaged over 40 aircraft, notably Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers capable of carrying numerous cruise missiles. The SBU vowed to continue its offensive against Russian forces across all domains.
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A Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) operation is responsible for explosions reported among Russian FPV drone goggles. HUR operatives purchased and rigged a large batch of goggles with explosives and a remote detonation system, which were then donated to Russian units through coordinated “volunteers.” The operation aimed to retaliate for Russian war crimes. While these claims remain unverified, the incident highlights the escalating use of drone technology in the conflict.
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A batch of Skyzone Cobra X v4 FPV drone glasses, supplied via humanitarian aid to Russian volunteers, was discovered to contain plastic explosives in each unit. The devices detonated upon activation, as reported by a representative of a Russian electronic warfare equipment developer. This incident highlights the risks associated with unverified humanitarian aid and underscores the need for heightened security protocols when receiving equipment from unknown sources. The booby-trapped glasses, a popular model among both military and civilian users, were examined by pro-Kremlin sources and their explosive components documented.
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Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) announced the successful destruction of a Russian Zoopark radar complex using four long-range FPV drones. The approximately $24 million radar system was targeted by HUR’s “Kryla” unit, resulting in a significant cost differential compared to the drones’ $2,400 price. Video footage shows the complex being struck, followed by explosions and fire. This represents a continued effort to eliminate valuable Russian military assets in Ukraine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker