Russian airbase "Belaya" sustains significant losses with four Tu-22s and three Tu-95 strategic bombers being damaged or destroyed during Operation "Pautin".

A Quick Look at the Ukrainian Drone Strike on Belaya Airbase

There's been a buzz online, showcasing the aftermath of a Ukrainian drone attack on the Russian airbase "Belaya" in Irkutsk Oblast, Russia. The shocking incident allegedly occurred during a special operation by the SBU, "Web." Strategic bombers have reportedly been obliterated.

Radio Free Europe got the scoop, reporting the elimination of four Tu-22s and three Tu-95s at the "Belaya" airport. It's speculated that another Tu-95 may have sustained damage.

A close analysis of footage and satellite imagery also confirms the obliteration of at least 11 Russian strategic bombers during the operation on June 1, 2025. This includes seven Tu-95s, four Tu-22M3s, and an An-12 cargo plane - not part of strategic aviation.

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Further Information

Satellite imagery and official reports confirm a substantial Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s Belaya airbase on June 1, 2025. This operation, codenamed "Operation Spider's Web" by Ukrainian authorities, is described as a long-planned, large-scale strike, targeting Russia’s strategic bomber aircraft.

Details of the Attack
Targets and Damage: Ukraine’s SBU claims to have targeted four Russian air bases, with the Belaya airfield in Irkutsk being a key focus. The SBU alleges the destruction of over 40 Russian aircraft, specifically mentioning damage to nuclear-capable Tu-95 and Tu-22 strategic bombers at Belaya.
Satellite Evidence: Satellite images provided by Maxar Technologies show burn scars, debris, and at least two destroyed bombers at Belaya, with some aircraft appearing intact but with unusual objects on top, possibly decoys or damage-mitigating gear.
Operational Details: Ukrainian drones were reportedly concealed in mobile houses with retractable roofs, mounted on trucks near the target. At the designated time, the roofs were opened, and drones launched toward the airbase.
Russian Response: The Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged the attacks, stating several warplanes at airbases in the Irkutsk and Murmansk regions were set on fire, but extinguished. Russia disputes Ukraine’s damage assessments, claiming Ukrainian figures are exaggerated.
Ukrainian Claims: SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk claimed the operation caused over $7 billion in damage to Russia’s bomber fleet. President Zelenskyy described the attack as historic, emphasizing its targeting of strategic bombers used against Ukrainian cities.

Considerations and Implications

Strategic Impact: Targeting Belaya airbase, which houses nuclear-capable bombers, marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s ability and willingness to strike deep inside Russian territory, compromising Russia’s long-range strike capabilities.
Operational Innovation: The use of disguised mobile launch platforms and a coordinated, long-term planning cycle highlights Ukraine’s evolving drone warfare tactics and its ability to penetrate Russian air defenses.
Propaganda and Credibility: While Ukraine has provided compelling visual evidence and claimed substantial losses for Russia, independent verification of the total damage remains difficult. Russia has downplayed the impact, but satellite imagery supports significant destruction of at least some strategic bombers.
Military and Political Repercussions: The attack demonstrates Ukraine’s determination to degrade Russian offensive capabilities and may force Russia to reconsider the security of its strategic bomber fleet. It also underscores the ongoing intensification of the conflict, despite previous peace talks.

The drone attack on Belaya airbase, masterminded by the Ukrainian authorities, specifically targeted the Russian aerospace industry and finance sector, as it involved the elimination of numerous strategic bombers, including nuclear-capable Tu-95 and Tu-22 aircraft, which significantly impacted the Russian military budget.
In the aftermath of the drone attack on Belaya airbase, the global finance industry is closely monitoring the potential effects on the Russian economy, as Ukraine's successful strike not only caused significant damages but also compromised Russia's long-range strike capabilities in the aerospace sector, potentially leading to increased economic sanctions and further challenging the stability of the Russian economy.