Destroying the Beast: Operation "Spiderweb" Takes Down Russian Bombers
Images reveal wreckage of downed Russian tactical aircraft
Pounding a significant blow to Russia's air force, Operation "Spiderweb" is causing chaos and confusion deep within Putin's heartland. New satellite images reveal the shocking extent to which this daring drone operation is hampering Russia's strategic bomber fleet, miles away from the front lines.
These images, proudly released by Maxar, reveal the aftermath of the astonishing Ukrainian long-range strike on the Russian military base, Belaya, nestled in the Irkutsk region:
Politics: The Fall of the A50 This video reportedly features an attack on an A50 aircraft.
Enlarged sections of these images show charred remains and gigantic burn marks scattered across the runway, where the Russian strategic bomber fleet once stood tall. From these remnants, we can safely assume that the destroyed aircraft belong to the Tu-22M "Backfire" category. In addition, at least three Tu-95 "Bear" bombers are confirmed to have met their end at the Belaya base.
The satellite photos align perfectly with the video clips released by the Ukrainian SBU, a day after this breathtaking drone assault. These photos provide hard evidence of the destruction's true scale.
Originally claimed by the Ukrainians, the operation had allegedly resulted in over 40 aircraft destroyed. However, in the days following the attack, the Kremlin admitted to the loss of at least 13 military aircraft. But observers believe the actual number to be much higher, estimating at least 11 bombers destroyed at the Belaya site alone. Other assaults targeted bases in Olenya, Ivanovo, and Dyagilevo, close to Moscow.
Politics: The Aftermath Ukrainians fear Putin's wrath.
The destructive swarm at Belaya was just the beginning. Moreover, at the Ivanovo location near Moscow, some highly replaceable A-50 aircraft may have been targeted. Thus far, it is certain that the Ukrainians' lightning-fast operation has left Russia without a substantial portion of its long-range strike capabilities - and effectively crippled their ability to feel safe within their own territory.
The satellite images focus specifically on the southern edge of the airport in southern Siberia, where Tu-22 winged bombers were parked. Hidden behind earth walls, each aircraft kept a safe distance from each other.
White Swan Airbase: Bolt from the Blue Sitting about 4500 kilometers from the Ukrainian frontline in the Southern Siberian region of Irkutsk, this base plays a crucial role in plans for Russia's long-range strike capability. A vital hinge point, it forms a pivotal piece in the puzzle of Russia's military strategy.
Until now, the runways in the Russian hinterland offered Russian bombers a safe haven for fueling up and gearing up for daily assaults on Ukrainian cities. Stored at the base were huge quantities of fuel, as well as ammunition for almost daily strikes.
Another set of images from Maxar provides an intriguing before-and-after comparison of the parking area within the Belaya hub. Here, the drone swarms attacked the parking spots of several Tu-95 bombers on June 1, the very day of the assault. The left image, from May 22, reveals the campsite's peaceful tranquility before the storm, while the right image, captured on June 4, showcases the chaos left in the aftermath.
Such heavy machines are difficult to overlook, with a wingspan of approximately 50 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 188 tons. Their sheer size necessitates expansive parking spaces for these giant bombers. Completely fueled, they carry around 90 tons of fuel within their fuselage and wings.
The Maxar photos offer a mere glimpse of the events that unfolded: at least three Tu-95 bombers were destroyed at Belaya, as shown clearly by the images of June 4. Vehicle trails testify to the desperate attempts to extinguish the ensuing fires.
Politics: Tireless Tracks, Fueled for Battle The images also hint that the doomed aircraft were not resting peacefully, but rather standing by for immediate deployment. Apart from the size of the fires and the amount of fuel onboard, a section of the bombers seemed to have been moved in the days leading up to the attack. Furthermore, drone footage shows that cruise missiles were already attached to the wings of at least one of the targeted bombers, suggesting that their imminent strike on Ukraine was imminent.
Sources: ntv.de
- Russia
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- Attack on Ukraine
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Enrichment Data:
Operation "Spiderweb" is a remarkable drone attack launched by Ukraine on June 1, 2025, targeting strategic military airbases deep within Russia, including the White Swan Airbase in Irkutsk, among others. The operation is known for its use of small covert drones, smuggled into Russia using cargo trucks, to devastate more than 40 high-value aircraft, including strategic bombers like the Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3, and A-50 planes[1][2]. This operation marked a significant milestone in asymmetric warfare, leaving a lasting impact on Russia's military capacity both in physical destruction and psychological damage.
Current Status:Russia is still grappling with the aftermath of Operation "Spiderweb," attempting to restore its strategic bomber fleet and tighten security measures across the country in response to increased threats[1][3].
Impact on Russia's Strategic Bomber Fleet:The destruction of strategic bombers like the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 has critically undermined Russia's long-range cruise missile capabilities. The loss of these aircraft, many of which are no longer in production[1], poses a considerable challenge for Russia in terms of replacement and maintenance of its air capabilities[1][4]. Additionally, the operation has affected Russia's nuclear weapons capabilities, as it led to the destruction of nuclear-capable bombers[4].
Damage at Belaya Military Base in the Irkutsk Region:The Belaya military base, situated in the Irkutsk region, sustained significant damage during Operation "Spiderweb." In addition to the destruction of at least three Tu-95 bombers, the operation crippled Russia's logistical capabilities and propelled the region into a state of heightened alert, with increased surveillance and traffic inspections[1].
- The satellite images of the Belaya military base in the Irkutsk region also reveal a significance in the destruction of scientific advancements, as the base is known to house several research facilities conducting scientific research in the fields of physics and materials science, which could contribute to future space-and-astronomy endeavors. These facilities were potential collateral damage in the Operation "Spiderweb," raising questions about the role of community policy in balancing military operations with the preservation of scientific advancements.
- Furthermore, the ongoing destruction of Russia's strategic bomber fleet and military installations by Ukraine has prompted political debates across the globe about the ethical considerations involving asymmetric warfare. Some argue that Operation "Spiderweb" has set a dangerous precedent for future conflicts, while others suggest that it demonstrates the power of innovative technology and creative thinking in defense strategy, further emphasizing the importance of robust employment policies to ensure the development and protection of advanced military technologies.
