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The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) revealed that it created a front company in Chelyabinsk, Russia, to plan the audacious drone attack on Moscow’s air capabilities. The operation, known as “Operation Spider Web,” targeted five strategic Russian military airfields on June 1.
Ukrainian intelligence chief Vasyl Malyuk detailed how his agents prepared this deep-strike operation using FPV (First Person View) drones smuggled into Russia. They set up a logistics firm in Chelyabinsk, renting office space and warehouses near the local Federal Security Service (FSB) department. After delivering 150 FPV drones, the premises maintained them with EcoFlow power sources, solar panels, and other equipment to keep them operational even at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees.
The combat component of these specially designed drones consisted of two parts weighing 800 grams each, containing a unique explosive mixture. The explosions were intended to cause damage by burning through the aircraft’s body and creating an internal explosion. The agents left Russia before the truck drivers transporting the drones reached their targets.
Operation Spider Web resulted in significant damage, estimated at $7 billion, including attacks on Russia’s nuclear-capable bombers and one of Moscow’s A-50 spy planes. Yaniv Benbenisti from D-Fend Solutions noted that this was the first time Ukraine used small commercial drones for such an attack, revealing the limitations of traditional air defense systems against low-flying, close-range drones.
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The operation highlighted a vulnerability in Russia’s air defenses and served as a wake-up call to the global community. It demonstrated how Ukraine could achieve major strategic successes with limited resources and technology.
Ukraine is likely to continue launching drone strikes deep into Russian territory, targeting energy and military infrastructure, despite ongoing negotiations for peace.
