Russia Faces Years-Long Struggle to Replace Bombers Lost in Ukrainian Drone Strikes
Russia may need years to replace long-range bombers destroyed or damaged in a series of Ukrainian drone strikes last weekend, according to Western military experts — a blow to its already delayed air force modernization plans, The Gaze reports, citing Reuters.
Satellite imagery of airfields in Siberia and the Arctic shows extensive damage, with several Tu-95MS Bear-H and Tu-22M3 Backfire bombers burned out. U.S. officials estimate that up to 20 warplanes were hit, including around 10 destroyed, though Russia denies losing any aircraft.
The strikes were the result of an 18-month Ukrainian intelligence operation dubbed “Spider’s Web”, which used drones smuggled in trucks to bypass Russian defenses. While not affecting Russia’s core nuclear deterrent — primarily missile-based — the bombers were key to launching long-range conventional attacks on Ukraine and conducting Arctic patrols.
“These losses will put major pressure on a key Russian force that was already operating at maximum capacity,” said Justin Bronk of the UK-based RUSI think tank.
Experts note that both aircraft types are Soviet-era models no longer in production, and replacing them would be difficult. Sanctions have further complicated the acquisition of key components.
Although Russia has tried to modernize its Tu-160M Blackjack fleet and develop the next-generation PAK DA stealth bomber, progress is slow. The PAK DA, in development since 2013, is unlikely to enter production before 2027, and Bronk warned that sanctions and budgetary constraints could derail the program entirely.
As The Gaze previously reported, Ukraine’s Security Service has successfully carried out a high-impact special operation deep within Russian territory, striking at the heart of Russia’s military-industrial infrastructure and severely damaging strategic aviation assets.
The covert mission, code-named “Spiderweb,” targeted multiple high-value military sites and has reportedly caused over $2 billion in losses to Russia’s air force.
Read more on The Gaze: NATO: Ukraine’s “Spiderweb” Is Most Devastating Strike Yet on Russia’s Strategic Air Fleet