Satellite images from Olenya show 4 strategic bombers destroyed
The Ukrainian drone attack on the far northern Russian air base resulted in the complete destruction of at least four Tu-95MS strategic bombers and one An-12 transport aircraft.
The high-resolution satellite images from AviVector were taken on June 3, 2025, two days after the unprecedented Ukrainian attack on the air field.
The attack left five aircraft completely destroyed by fire. On the air fields are only small remains of the what used to be among Russia's most dreaded weapons.
On the images are also two Mi-24 helicopters that might have gotten damages in the attack. On the runway is also a Tu-160 bomber that appears not hit by the Ukrainian drones.
According to AviVector, another three Tu-95 bombers, as well as four Tu-22M3 bombers, were destroyed at the Belaya air base in Irkutsk.
The operation dubbed as the 'Spider Web' had been under planning for 18 months. In a simulations attack on five air bases, more than 100 drones took off from containers mounted on trucks.
It has been described as a historical 'trojan horse' operation.
The Ukrainian Security Service first reported that more than 40 targets had been hit.
The Olenya base is frequently used by the Russian Air Force in its terror bombing raids on Ukrainian towns and cities.
"The war has started in Olenegorsk," a local inhabitant in the town located near the air base said about the attack. Reportedly, also a fuel depot was hit. Locals told a social media channel that they heard at least 10 explosions.
The attack came only few days after the Russian air force reportedly had redeployed about 40 Tu-22M3 bombers to Olenya, following growing concern for drone attacks at more southern air bases.
According to Kristian Åtland, senior researcher at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, the operation was the most successful and devastating attack ever carried out against Russian bomber bases.
"This is significant setback for Russia’s long-range strike forces and Russia’s ability to continue to attack Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities with air-launched cruise missiles. Some of the damaged bombers may, of course, be repaired or replaced, but it will take time. In the meantime, Russia will probably continue to attack Ukraine with Shahed drones and other weapons."
