On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) released a video compilation showing all hits made by Osa-type FPV drones during the June 1 special operation codenamed Pavutyna (Ukrainian: Павутина, “Spider’s Web”), which targeted Russian strategic aviation bases, presenting a true picture of the resulting damage.
Photo: SBU
Four out of the five planned bases were targeted: Olenegorsk-Vysokiy (Olenya) in Murmansk Oblast, Belaya in the Usolsky District of Irkutsk Oblast, Ryazan-Dyagilevo in Ryazan Oblast, and Ivanovo-Severny in Ivanovo Oblast (the strike on the Ukrainka base in Amur Oblast was not carried out). A total of 116 out of 150 Osa-type FPV drones from the Ukrainian company First Contact were used (Operation Spiderweb: SBU destroys Russian aircraft using FPV drones).
As previously stated, the report reiterated that 41 aircraft were attacked, a significant number of which were irreversibly destroyed, while some of the damaged aircraft will not be restored for many years.
It further notes that among the targeted aircraft were A-50s, Tu-95s, Tu-22s, Tu-160s, as well as An-12 and Il-78 transport aircraft.
This is notable, as earlier satellite imagery analyses and video fragments did not identify any Tu-160 or Il-76 bombers, and the hits on two A-50s remained unconfirmed.
According to the report, the operation employed advanced drone control technologies combining autonomous artificial intelligence algorithms with manual operator input.
It was specified that some of the drones, due to signal loss, switched to autonomous mission execution using pre-programmed routes. Upon approaching and engaging a designated target, the warhead activated automatically.
The statement concluded that the estimated value of equipment affected by the SBU’s special operation exceeds 7 billion USD.
As for the released video, which is 4 minutes and 42 seconds long, it shows Osa-type FPV drones successively targeting strategic Tu-95MS bombers (7 hit), long-range Tu-22M3 bombers (12 hit), two Beriev A-50U/M airborne early warning and control aircraft, individual An-22 and Il-76MD transport planes, and at the very end of the footage, what appears to be a burning Tu-160 strategic bomber—though it could also be a Tu-22M3. In another frame, four Tu-160s are seen parked side by side, apparently undamaged.
Some aircraft were struck by two drones. Several appear to be non-operational, as indicated by the condition of their paintwork (e.g., both A-50s and some Tu-22M3s). However, it’s worth remembering that with Russia’s heavy use of its air fleet and the fact that these models are no longer in serial production, non-flying airframes often serve as essential sources of spare parts for operational aircraft.
The video—certain to undergo detailed analysis—shows that Operation Spider’s Web represents the most spectacular attack on Russian aviation since the beginning of the war.
Interestingly, the strike also caused concern in the United States. Yesterday, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin, speaking at a Center for a New American Security conference in Washington, called the Ukrainian operation a wake-up call. He emphasized that the USAF fully understands the need to strengthen its own air bases and has the resources to do so, but certain adjustments are necessary—referencing the recently announced Golden Dome for America defense initiative.
