On June 1, 2025, Ukraine unveiled a potentially revolutionary tactic in modern warfare, launching 117 First Person View (FPV) drones against Russia. This meticulously planned operation, dubbed ‘Spider’s Web’, targeted strategically selected Russian airbases, inflicting significant damage on valuable Russian Air Force assets.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the operation as “absolutely brilliant". While the extent of Russian losses remains contested, Zelenskyy stated that of the 41 damaged aircraft, half were beyond repair. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov acknowledged damage but insisted the aircraft could be restored. US assessments indicated up to 20 Russian warplanes were struck, with approximately 10 destroyed. Justin Bronk, senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), estimated 12 strategic bombers, including eight Tu-95s and four Tu-22s, were destroyed, with several others likely damaged.

The attack, a remarkable demonstration of capability, targeted at least four Russian military airbases, the furthest being Belaya base in Irkutsk, Siberia, approximately 4,850 km from Kyiv. Following the attacks, Russian officials indicated military responses were being considered and accused the West of involvement in this unprecedented offensive.

Ukraine has consistently utilised long-range drones throughout the conflict, striking targets deep within Russia, including oil refineries, military bases, and arms depots. However, limitations in range made these drones vulnerable to Russian air defences. The June 1 offensive employed a different approach: smaller, cheaper “kamikaze" drones launched from nearby locations, capitalising on the element of surprise to overcome Russian defences.

According to Ukraine’s security service, the SBU, the drones were smuggled into Russia by its agents and hidden within the roof spaces of wooden sheds. Images shared by the Ukrainian authorities showed approximately 20........

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