A Ukrainian drone strike on June 1st, codenamed “Spider’s Web,” damaged approximately 10% of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers, as well as A-50 surveillance aircraft, according to German Major General Christian Freuding. This resulted in the likely incapacitation of several A-50s, leaving Russia with only a handful operational. While Russia retains significant air power, the attack had a considerable psychological impact and will force increased security measures. The strike’s success, estimated to have cost Russia over $7 billion, is considered a major victory for Ukraine.
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A Ukrainian drone strike, codenamed “Spiderweb,” targeted four Russian air bases on June 1, reportedly damaging or destroying a significant number of Russian nuclear-capable bombers, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 aircraft. While the SBU claimed damage exceeding $7 billion and the destruction of one-third of Russia’s cruise missile bombers, Kremlin sources suggested a lower figure of around 10 aircraft affected. Satellite imagery supports some of the damage claims, showing destroyed bombers at the Belaya air base. Despite the attack, the impact on Russia’s bombing campaign against Ukraine is expected to be minimal.
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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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Ukrainian special forces successfully attacked the Engels-2 air base in Russia, detonating an ammunition depot and causing fires and explosions. This key Russian air base, located approximately 450 miles from Ukraine, is used to launch attacks against Ukraine using Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers. The attack, the third on Engels-2 this year, occurred simultaneously with a large-scale Russian missile and drone barrage targeting central Ukraine. While the type of weapon used by Ukraine remains unconfirmed, Russian authorities reported a large-scale drone attack and subsequent civilian damage.
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On Tuesday, NORAD intercepted four Russian military aircraft—two Tu-95 Bear bombers and two Su-35 Flanker fighter jets—that flew through the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone for 15 hours. The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not violate U.S. sovereignty. This action, while prompting a response of four F-16s and support aircraft from NORAD, is consistent with past Russian activity and is considered legal under international law. Similar intercepts have occurred previously, including joint Russian-Chinese flights in the area.
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John Q. Hosedrinker