Overview

• Ukraine launched Operation Spiderweb on June 1, deploying domestically built FPV drones deep inside Russian territory to strike multiple military airbases.
• Kyiv claims the assault destroyed or damaged as many as 41 strategic aircraft, signaling newfound leverage for potential diplomacy and undermining Russia’s war-of-attrition strategy.
• Ukraine’s annual drone production has surged to roughly 4–5 million units, enabling cost-effective swarm operations against high-value targets.
• NATO has opened a joint training center with Ukrainian forces in Poland and accelerated investments in counter-drone systems and base fortifications.
• Russia has responded by launching over 1,000 drones per week against Ukrainian targets, overwhelming defenses and stoking fears of further escalation.