Russia’s nuclear bomber fleet isn’t moving to Alaska after all, despite Ukraine’s media hype following their successful drone strikes that caught Putin’s military with their pants down.
At a Glance
- Satellite imagery shows Russia has not moved its Tu-160 nuclear-capable bombers to Anadyr near Alaska, contradicting Ukrainian reports
- Ukraine’s “Operation Spiderweb” reportedly struck 41 Russian warplanes on June 1, causing approximately $7 billion in damage
- Military experts expect Russia to reposition its strategic bomber fleet more frequently following the successful Ukrainian drone strikes
- The strikes exposed significant vulnerabilities in Russia’s air defense systems, particularly at bases housing long-range bombers
- President Trump mentioned Putin insisted “very strongly” on retaliation for the Ukrainian strikes
Russian Bombers Staying Put Despite Ukrainian Claims
The media circus claiming Russia had relocated its nuclear-capable Tu-160 bombers closer to Alaska appears to be nothing more than wishful thinking from Ukrainian sources. Despite reports from Ukrainian outlet Defence Express suggesting a strategic bomber had been moved to Anadyr airfield in Chukotka, satellite imagery from May 26 and June 3 shows no such aircraft at the location. This latest episode of misinformation comes as both sides attempt to control the narrative following Ukraine’s surprisingly effective drone strikes against Russian air bases.
Military expert Frank Ledwidge noted that relocating aircraft is simply a “sensible approach to looking after your aircraft” and may not indicate significant strategic changes. Under the New START Treaty, which the Biden administration seems determined to uphold regardless of Russian violations, strategic bombers must be kept in the open where they remain vulnerable to drone attacks. This treaty requirement creates a significant tactical disadvantage that Russia is likely reconsidering after the recent strikes.
Operation Spiderweb Exposes Russian Air Defense Weaknesses
Ukraine’s bold Operation Spiderweb has become a massive embarrassment for Putin’s military. The coordinated drone attacks reportedly struck 41 Russian warplanes on June 1 across three different time zones, highlighting catastrophic failures in Russia’s supposedly advanced air defense systems. Satellite imagery confirmed the destruction of Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers at Siberian and Arctic bases, assets that had been used repeatedly to launch cruise missiles against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure over the past two years.
The operation caused approximately $7 billion in damage according to Ukrainian estimates, a staggering blow to Russia’s strategic aviation capabilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky added insult to injury by highlighting that one successful strike occurred “directly next to” an FSB regional headquarters, further embarrassing Russia’s security services. The Kremlin’s silence on the extent of the damage speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the Ukrainian operation.
Russia’s Strategic Aviation Forced to Adapt
According to retired Air Marshal Greg Bagwell, Russia will likely start moving its strategic bomber fleet more frequently following these humiliating strikes. The successful Ukrainian drone attacks have demonstrated that even Russia’s most remote and supposedly secure air bases aren’t safe from precision strikes. This new reality forces Putin to either accept continued vulnerability under New START Treaty obligations or start hiding his strategic assets in violation of arms control agreements.
Former President Trump recently mentioned that Russian President Putin insisted “very strongly” on retaliation for these strikes, signaling Moscow’s fury over the unexpected penetration of their air defenses. Despite Russia’s bravado, the attacks have forced a fundamental reassessment of air base security across the country. Just days after the initial attacks, Ukraine reported fresh strikes on the Dyagilevo and Engels aviation hubs, proving the first wave wasn’t just a lucky shot but part of a sustained campaign targeting Russia’s most valuable air assets.
