Spiderweb operation : Tu-95 bombers armed with missiles for strikes destroyed
Photo: destroyed Tu-95 bombers were loaded with missiles for attack (ssu.gov.ua)
Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers had already been armed with Kh-101 cruise missiles for a likely strike on Ukraine before they were destroyed at their home airfields, according to the footage from Ukrainian kamikaze drone cameras released by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
Judging by the video footage, at least some of the bombers had Kh-101 missiles mounted on external pylons.
The likely preparation of Russian strategic aviation for combat missions is also indicated by the fully fueled aircraft, with the fuel contributing to the large fires at the airfields targeted by the strike drones.
SBU's Spiderweb operation
As a reminder, on Sunday, June 1, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) carried out strikes on several Russian airfields where the enemy’s strategic aviation was based.
According to SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk, the drone strikes damaged 41 Russian strategic aircraft, including A-50s, Tu-95s, Tu-22M3s, and Tu-160s.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia will be unable to repair half of the aircraft hit. He added that such a strike helps shift the narrative in the US, especially claims that Ukraine allegedly lacks leverage.
More details about the SBU’s operation, Spiderweb, can be found in RBC-Ukraine’s full report.
