Russia may need years to replace destroyed jets after Ukraine's operation Spiderweb – Reuters
Photo: It will take years for Russia to replace the aircraft destroyed during Operation Spiderweb (Getty Images)
It will take Russia years to replace the nuclear-capable bombers that were damaged in drone strikes by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) on June 1. This poses a major obstacle to Russia's already delayed strategic aviation modernization program, Reuters reports.
According to the agency, US assessments estimate that up to 20 aircraft were hit in the strikes on Russian airfields, with around 10 reportedly destroyed.
Russian authorities deny the losses. However, military bloggers report significant damage or the loss of approximately a dozen bombers, blaming military leadership for negligence.
The strikes targeted strategic bombers Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3, which are key components of Russia's capability to launch cruise missile attacks. These aircraft are no longer in production, making them difficult to replace. The situation is further complicated by Western sanctions that restrict Russia's access to critical components.
According to Reuters, Russia is attempting to modernize its bomber fleet, including upgrading the Tu-160M and developing a new PAK DA strategic bomber. However, these programs are facing delays, and experts estimate that the PAK DA will not enter production before 2027. Financial constraints and technological challenges caused by sanctions make it unlikely that these projects can be accelerated.
While these losses do not significantly impact Russia's nuclear arsenal, which is mainly based on land and submarine platforms, they represent both a symbolic and logistical blow to the country's military modernization efforts.
Operation Spiderweb
On June 1, the SBU carried out Operation Spiderweb, which had been planned for over a year and a half.
During the operation, SBU drones attacked several Russian air bases at once. The drones struck four military bases: Belaya, Dyagilevo, Olenya, and Ivanovo.
As a result of the drone strikes, 41 Russian strategic aircraft were hit, including A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22 M3, and Tu-160. In total, 34% of strategic cruise missile carriers at the main Russian air bases were destroyed. The estimated cost of the enemy's destroyed strategic aircraft is $7 billion.
