Declassification of Operation “Spiderweb”: How the SBU Tracked the FPV Drone from Launch to Striking a Russian Strategic Aircraft
The Security Service of Ukraine continues to inspire with exemplary instances of effective resistance against Russian aggression by releasing a new video that showcases the full route of a special unmanned aerial vehicle, which became a key element in the counteroffensive against the enemy. As part of the operation codenamed "Spiderweb," Ukrainian intelligence agencies demonstrated how Ukrainian FPV drones penetrated territory traditionally controlled by Russian aviation and hit a strategically important target — a Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber at the "Belyaevo" Russian airfield. The new footage, shared by the SBU on June 7, 2025, details the flight stages of one of the drones — from lifting off from a rooftop of a multi-story modular building in Kyiv and its infiltration into enemy territory to the complete destruction of the target at the Russian airbase. The video illustrates how the FPV drone traveled a significant distance, passing nearly unobstructed through security lines and directly entering the Russian aviation base, where other targets — aircraft and military equipment — were also being struck. It should be noted that this special operation became one of the most impressive acts of Ukrainian counteroffensive tactics, particularly within a broader series of strikes against Russian military airfields. According to operational data, the "Spiderweb" operation targeted four key Russian strategic airbases — "Olenya," "Ivanovo," "Dyagilevo," and "Belyaevo." These bases are critical hubs supporting the Russian aviation group that regularly conducts strikes on peaceful Ukrainian cities and settlements. Estimations by the SBU indicate that the value of equipment destroyed or damaged during this operation exceeds 7 billion USD. The destruction includes various aircraft types, notably strategic "A-50," "Tu-95," "Tu-22," and "Tu-160," as well as cargo and transport aircraft such as "An-12" and "Il-78." At the same time, enemy losses in air equipment amount to 41 aircraft — a significant blow to the military capabilities of the Russian armed forces. The results of the "Spiderweb" operation serve as a testament to the high technical proficiency of Ukrainian special services and their consistent use of modern drone technologies to achieve strategic objectives in the ongoing war. Reconnaissance footage and intelligence data confirm that well-coordinated actions not only allow Ukraine to deliver precise strikes against enemy infrastructure but also demonstrate to the world Ukraine's ability to defend its independence and territorial integrity. This operation sent a powerful message to Russian military leadership and the domestic audience, showing that Ukrainian defense can destroy strategically vital military infrastructure even deep behind enemy lines. Simultaneously, it underscores the importance of further innovative solutions in the field of unmanned technology, which can significantly change the course of the war by reducing risks to Ukrainian troops while increasing pressure on the enemy. Ultimately, the publication of the video and operational details of "Spiderweb" marked a new stage in information warfare and reinforced Ukraine's strategic goals. Experts believe this successful operation proves that modern technologies and responsible actions by intelligence agencies can change the rules of the game even under the most challenging conditions of armed conflict. Ukraine demonstrates to the world its capacity to be at the forefront of technological and military revolution, transforming everyday warfare into a true struggle for freedom and independence.