Operation Spider Web

Operation Spider Web

Why in News? 

Recently, on June 1, 2025, Ukraine launched simultaneous drone and missile attacks on several strategic targets within Russia, causing significant damage to Russia. This unprecedented attack was named ‘Spider Web Operation’.

What is Operation Spider Web?

• Introduction:

• • • Operation ‘Spider Web’ is a covert military attack by Ukraine, sending drones approximately 4000 kilometers deep inside Russia. 
    • Through this operation, Ukraine targeted Russian air bases where old bomber aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons were deployed. 
    • This campaign was executed under a highly organized, secret, and daring strategy. 
    • This operation was conducted by Ukraine’s security agency, the SBU (Security Service of Ukraine). 
    • It is considered the longest-range and technologically advanced attack to date.

• Weapons:

• • • The 117 drones used in this attack were equipped with highly advanced technology. 
    • All these were FPV (First-Person View) drones, which were controlled remotely by Ukrainian operators while staying inside Russia.

• Background:

• • • It took more than a year and a half to plan this attack. 
    • The SBU and special forces of the Ukrainian army jointly researched, planned, and tested it. 
    • According to the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), the FPV drones were hidden in special wooden cabins inside trucks and sent across the Russian border. 
    • The roofs of these trucks could be opened by remote control. 
    • Upon reaching the Russian border, each drone was controlled remotely by a separate pilot during the attack.

• Areas of Attack:

• Murmansk (North-west Russia)
• Irkutsk (Eastern Siberia)
• Ivanovo (Western Russia)
• Ryazan (Near Moscow)
• Amur (Near the Chinese border, Far East)
• Olenya Airbase (Russian Arctic region)
• Belaya Airbase (Irkutsk Oblast, ~4300 km away)

• Objective:

• • • The objective of this operation was to deactivate Russia’s highly lethal bomber aircraft, which are a crucial part of its nuclear and cruise missile capabilities.
    • The aim was to destroy Russian air bases where aircraft like Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 were deployed. 
    • Along with this, it also aimed to target Russia’s A-50 airborne radar system.

• Results:

• • In the operation, 41 Russian military aircraft equipped with cruise missiles were damaged, of which 13 were completely destroyed. 
  • Surveillance aircraft like the A-50 were also damaged. 
  • Russia incurred losses of over 7 billion dollars. Russia’s cruise missile carrying capacity has decreased by 34%.

What are the global implications of this modern warfare?

• New Era of Cyber Strategy: Operation ‘Spider Web’ demonstrated that war is no longer limited to tanks and missiles, but has become an era of digital covert strategies and remote control technologies. Presently, the actual direction of warfare is moving towards innovation and data-driven control. 
• End of Border Constraints: This attack proved that geographical distance is no longer a guarantee of security. By targeting bases 8000 kilometers deep inside Russia, Ukraine showed that with precise planning and technical acumen, one can reach within the opponent’s territory.
• Apex of Proxy Warfare: This operation also showed that proxy war is no longer limited to limited weapons and support. Sending drones hidden in trucks, keeping drivers uninformed, and covert planning of attacks, all these have redefined covert operations. This could lead to new security standards in the global community.
• Impact on Strategic Investment: When a small country can cause such massive damage, it is a warning to governments and defense organizations worldwide that they must invest in low-cost and more flexible technologies rather than high-cost weapons.

Modern Technological Warfare: Advantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages:

• • • Accuracy in Warfare: Modern technology has made warfare extremely precise and effective. The lethality of weapons has increased to such an extent that targeted locations can be destroyed without widespread devastation. This helps in minimizing collateral damage and harm to civilians. For example, the use of drones, satellites, and high-tech guided missiles has brought a new definition of precision and control in warfare.
    • Information and Communication Revolution: Technology has modernized information gathering and communication systems in warfare. Real-time data, satellite imagery, and electronic espionage provide armies with immediate situational awareness. 

• Disadvantages:

• • Technological Dependence: Excessive technological dependence can lead to significant losses if a system or equipment fails. Cyberattacks and electronic warfare can allow enemies to cripple technological infrastructure, causing disruptions in military operations.
  • Social Impact: Modern technology has also changed the psychological aspects of war. This raises questions of humanity and ethics. Furthermore, technological superiority in warfare increases inequality, which can lead to increased political tension and social instability worldwide.
  • Economic Cost: Technological advancement has made warfare extremely valuable and expensive. The cost of state-of-the-art weapons, defense equipment, and technical training heavily impacts national budgets. This often leads to an unbalanced distribution of economic resources, which hinders social development.

Modern technological warfare has fundamentally transformed the nature of war, making it more precise, rapid, and strategic. While its advantages are clear, it also comes with technological dependence, high costs, social inequality, and ethical questions.