**Ukraine’s Secret Drone Attack: A Game-Changer in the War Against Russia**
In a bold move, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) used exclusively domestically produced drones to attack Russian heavy bombers, President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed in an interview with ABC News. This daring operation, known as Operation Spiderweb, has been hailed as one of the most significant achievements during the full-scale war between Ukraine and Russia.
According to Zelensky, the SBU deliberately chose not to use equipment from allied stockpiles for this mission. “I wanted very much to use only what we produce and to have the separation (be) very clear,” he said. This decision demonstrates Ukraine’s growing confidence in its own military capabilities and its ability to develop innovative technologies to counter Russian aggression.
**The Low-Cost, High-Impact Attack**
On June 1, Ukraine launched a surprise drone attack on four Russian military airfields, damaging or destroying at least 21 planes, including heavy bombers and rare A-50 spy planes. The SBU used first-person-view (FPV) drones, which are one of the cheapest and most accessible types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This low-cost approach allowed Ukraine to maximize its military impact while minimizing expenses.
**A Turning Point in Drone Warfare**
The success of Operation Spiderweb marks a significant turning point in drone warfare. Both Ukraine and Russia have increasingly relied on drones for reconnaissance and combat missions, but this operation showcases the effectiveness of domestic production and innovative deployment strategies. As President Zelensky noted, Ukrainian manufacturers have the capacity to produce over 5 million FPV drones per year, highlighting the country’s growing technological prowess.
**Behind-the-Scenes Planning**
The planning and execution of Operation Spiderweb were reportedly meticulous, with SBU Chief Vasyl Malyuk and President Zelensky personally overseeing the operation. The drones were smuggled into Russia, hidden on the roofs of wooden cabins, which were then transported by truck to the targeted air bases. When they reached their destinations, the roofs were retracted remotely, allowing the drones to fly off towards the Russian bombers.
**Truck Drivers Unaware**
In a remarkable example of operational security, the truck drivers who transported the drones had no knowledge of their role in the attack. “They didn’t know anything,” Zelensky said. “They just did their job.” This level of secrecy and compartmentalization demonstrates Ukraine’s ability to maintain effective operational security, even at the lower levels of its military.
**A Community-Driven Independent Journalism**
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