**Ukraine’s Drone Operation Causes $7 Billion in Damage to Russian Airfields**
In a significant blow to Russia’s military, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has announced that its large-scale drone operation, dubbed “Spiderweb”, successfully targeted four Russian military airfields on June 1. The operation destroyed or damaged 41 strategic aircraft worth over $7 billion.
According to Vasyl Maliuk, head of the SBU, the operation was extremely complex due to the three-time-zone coordination required. He revealed that it was overseen by Ukrainian President, demonstrating the country’s commitment to taking a proactive role in its defense.
This marked the most successful Ukrainian strike against Russian strategic aviation since the start of the full-scale war in 2022. Russia has suffered its largest single-day air force loss since World War II. The four airfields targeted were located at Belaya, Dyagilevo, Olenya, and Ivanovo, with some situated over 4,000 km (2485 miles) from the frontline.
The strikes hit a range of Russian aircraft, including A-50 early warning planes, Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers, and Tu-22 M3 medium-range bombers. These high-value targets are used for attacks on civilian populations, making their destruction a significant blow to Russia’s military capabilities.
**Ukraine’s Drone Industry Comes of Age**
This operation marks the culmination of Ukraine’s efforts to develop its drone warfare capabilities over the past two years. The country has evolved from using makeshift, volunteer-built systems to becoming a major player in the global drone industry. Today, Ukraine produces millions of advanced drones worth $2.8 billion.
The country’s drone fleet now plays a dominant role on the battlefield, conducting thousands of daily missions that target both frontline and deep-rear Russian assets. Ukrainian drones have even been used to deliver supplies, showcasing their versatility and effectiveness.
This achievement demonstrates the significant progress Ukraine has made in its drone capabilities and highlights the country’s growing capacity for self-defense. As Russia continues to face challenges on the battlefield, Ukraine’s drone industry is likely to remain a key factor in shaping the course of the conflict.
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