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Ukrainian Drones Recently Targeted a Significant Portion of Russia’s Bomber Fleet
A series of small drones, launched from modified long-range trucks parked near Russian military bases, have caused considerable damage. Ukraine’s security agency, the SBU, executed a bold daylight strike targeting bases across Russia.
Reportedly, the operation involved hijacking Russian tractor-trailers and loading them with specially prepared containers housing short-range, first-person-view attack drones. The targets included Olenya and Belaya air bases—located approximately 1,200 and 2,700 miles from Ukraine respectively—with over 100 drones deployed. Several Russian aircraft, including Tupolev Tu-95 bombers, Beriev A-50 radar planes, and transport aircraft, were either destroyed or heavily damaged.
The SBU claimed to have hit over 40 aircraft, sharing videos broadcast through Russian communication networks. These videos, relayed via quadcopter drones loaded with explosives, showed four Tu-95 bombers ablaze at Olenya.
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The Russian Air Force manages a fleet of 118 bombers, including 15 Tupolev Tu-160s, 47 Tu-95s, and 56 Tupolev Tu-22Ms. If the SBU’s claims are accurate, Ukraine may have eliminated about one-third of this fleet. Only the Tu-160 remains in production, albeit at a slow and limited pace.
“The damage inflicted on strategic aviation isn’t just a blow to Russia’s nuclear capabilities,” Ukrainian group Frontelligence Insight noted. “It’s also a significant setback for Russia’s power projection and geopolitical decision-making. Restoring the lost aircraft won’t be quick or easy, potentially forcing Russia to rethink the costs and benefits of continuing this war.”
The SBU has openly shared details and photos illustrating how the operation was carried out, even showing images of containers in production.
There’s a reason behind this transparency. “If you’re wondering why the SBU is so open about their method, consider the logistical disruption facing Russia, as they will have to double-check millions of cargo containers for Ukrainian surprises,” explained Jimmy Rushton, a security analyst based in Kyiv.
Russian forces should have anticipated such attacks. Ukraine’s long-range attack drones have previously damaged or destroyed aircraft parked at bases—such as the Russian A-50 radar planes and Tu-22M bombers. Ukrainian fighters have also shot down two A-50s and at least one Tu-22M. Since Russia broadened its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, two additional Tu-22Ms have reportedly crashed.
The A-50 aircraft are particularly vulnerable. Russia had only nine airworthy A-50s before the conflict, and that number may now be reduced to around five.
Expert Insight
Aviation expert Bill Sweetman remarked, “It’s probably unwise to park all your bombers in a single, easily targeted location like they’ve done for the past three decades.”
Russian bombers routinely launch cruise missiles at Ukrainian cities, leading to the destruction of entire apartment complexes and civilian casualties. Recent drone and missile strikes over Kyiv and other cities on May 24 and 25 involved hundreds of munitions.
With only limited long-range air defenses, such as Patriot and SAMP/T systems—six and two units, respectively—Ukraine increasingly targets Russian aircraft and missile stocks while they are on the ground.
For instance, on March 20, Ukrainian drones attacked Russia’s Engels bomber base for the third time in ten weeks. The resulting explosion destroyed 96 Kh-101 cruise missiles, each valued at approximately $10 million. Russia produces only a few dozen of these missiles each month.
As fires raged across Russian airbases on that Sunday, the remaining bombers managed to take off to avoid further damage. It might be several days before official reports confirm how many aircraft were lost.
Global Implications
Military leaders worldwide are undoubtedly watching these events with concern. Jakub Janowsky, an analyst, mused, “It’s a lesson that protected aircraft shelters or proper hangars are worth the upfront cost for shielding costly and difficult-to-replace military aircraft.”
The Russian response to these strikes will be especially intriguing.