The Story Behind Ukraine’s ‘Spider Web’ Assault on Russian Bombers

In a daring and unprecedented operation, Ukraine launched a massive assault on Russian air bases, targeting nuclear-capable long-range bombers. The attack, dubbed "Spider Web," involved over100 drones striking air bases deep inside Russia, with explosions reported across several time zones. The scale of the operation was astonishing, with the Ukrainian government revealing that it had been18 months in the making.## The OperationThe drones used in the attack were smuggled into Russia inside wooden cabins mounted on the back of lorries and concealed below remotely operated detachable roofs. The lorries were driven to locations near airbases by drivers who were seemingly unaware of their cargo, and then the drones were launched and set upon their targets. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky,117 drones were used in the attack, each with its own pilot.The details of the operation are still emerging, but it is clear that the Ukrainian government had been planning this attack for a long time. As Zelensky said, the operation took "one year, six months and nine days" to prepare. The use of drones in this way is a new tactic, and it has been described as "quite extraordinary" by Dr. Steve Wright, a UK-based drone expert."The ability to smuggle them into Russia and then launch and command them remotely – which he concluded had been achieved through a link relayed through a satellite or the internet," Dr. Wright added.## The DronesThe drones used in the attack were simple quadcopters carrying relatively heavy payloads. They were neatly stashed in wooden cabins inside lorries, and were launched from locations near the airbases. The origin of the drones is not clear, but it is possible that they were produced in Ukraine, which has become increasingly efficient at manufacturing drones since the start of the war."Each of the117 drones launched had its own pilot," Zelensky said.## The TargetsThe targets of the attack were strategic missile-carrying bombers, including the Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160. These bombers are thought to have been used to launch attacks on Ukrainian cities, and the Ukrainian government has described them as "legitimate targets." As Vasyl Malyuk, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine, said,"According to the laws and customs of war, we have worked out absolutely legitimate targets – military airfields and aircraft that bomb our peaceful cities."## The ImpactThe impact of the attack is still being assessed, but it is clear that Russia has suffered significant losses. The Ukrainian government has claimed that41 strategic bombers were hit, and at least13 were destroyed. The Russian government has not confirmed these losses, but it has acknowledged that some planes were damaged. The attack has been celebrated by Ukrainians, with one describing it as "titanic.""Of course, not everything can be revealed at this moment," Zelensky wrote on Telegram,"but these are Ukrainian actions that will undoubtedly be in history books."The operation has also highlighted the ingenuity and determination of the Ukrainian military, which has been able to launch a major attack on Russian air bases despite being outgunned and outmanned. The use of drones in this way is a new tactic, and it has the potential to change the course of the war. As the conflict continues to escalate, it is clear that Ukraine will stop at nothing to defend its territory and its people.