**Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Agency Hacks Russia’s Tupolev Aircraft Manufacturer**
In a significant blow to Russia’s defense-industrial complex, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) has gained access to sensitive data of Russia’s strategic aircraft manufacturer Tupolev. According to a source in HUR, the agency’s cyber corps accessed over 4.4 gigabytes of internal data, including official correspondence, personnel files, home addresses, resumes, purchase records, and closed meeting minutes.
**The Significance of the Hack**
The significance of the data obtained cannot be overstated, said the source. “Now, in fact, there is nothing secret left in Tupolev’s activities for Ukrainian intelligence,” they added. The intelligence includes detailed information about engineers and staff responsible for maintaining Russia’s strategic bombers, such as the Tu-95 and Tu-160, which form a key part of Russia’s nuclear triad.
**Impact on Russia’s Strategic Aviation**
The hack has significant implications for Russia’s strategic aviation. “In particular, we have obtained comprehensive information about individuals directly involved in servicing Russian strategic aviation,” said the source. “The result will obviously be noticeable both on the ground and in the sky.” This could compromise Russia’s ability to maintain and operate its strategic bombers.
**Tupolev Under International Sanctions**
Tupolev, a Soviet-era aerospace firm now fully integrated into Russia’s defense-industrial complex, has been under international sanctions since 2022 for its role in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Its bombers have been widely used to launch long-range cruise missiles against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
**Recent Attacks on Russian Strategic Aviation**
The breach comes days after the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) crippled over a third of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet in a major drone operation codenamed Spiderweb, which targeted four Russian air bases. That attack reportedly damaged 41 aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers.
**A Significant Blow to Moscow**
The combination of physical strikes on Russia’s strategic aviation and now the exposure of its internal architecture marks a significant blow to Moscow’s long-range aerial warfare. The hack also highlights Ukraine’s growing cyber capabilities and its determination to disrupt Russia’s military operations.
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