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Shaken After Ukrainian Spider Web Drone Strikes, Russia Builds Dozens of Bunkers to Protect Its Bombers
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russia has begun constructing protective infrastructure at several of its airbases following Ukraine’s June 1 drone strikes, known as Operation Spider Web, which targeted long-range aviation assets across four Russian regions.
According to a new assessment by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on July 13, recent satellite imagery indicates the development of reinforced bunkers and shelters in response to the strikes.
ISW cites analysis by OSINT group Frontelligence Insight, which reports that satellite images collected on July 7 show the construction of approximately 10 fortified earth-covered bunkers, 12 uncovered concrete bunkers, and eight hangar-like structures at Khalino Airbase in Russia’s Kursk region.
Earlier images from Planet Labs, dated June 27, also captured hardened aircraft shelters at the same location.
In temporary occupied Crimea, new defensive infrastructure is also visible. Satellite imagery from July 9 confirms the construction of two concrete bunker-type facilities at the Saky Airbase. Planet Labs images from July 7 show additional concrete shelters for aircraft. However, satellite analysis from the same period found no ongoing construction activity at Dzhankoi Airbase.
Separately, satellite imagery reveals that damaged bombers remain at Russia’s Belaya Airbase in Irkutsk Oblast and Olenya Airbase in Murmansk Oblast—both struck during the June 1 operation.
According to ISW, the construction of protective structures on these airbases is likely a delayed response to Ukraine’s drone operations. Russian officials and pro-war military bloggers have criticized the Kremlin’s failure to shield key military assets from UAV attacks amid the ongoing full-scale invasion.
On June 1, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) carried out coordinated drone strikes on several strategic airfields, including Belaya, Olenya, Dyagilevo in Ryazan region, and Ivanovo Airbase in Ivanovo region, significantly damaging elements of Russia’s long-range bomber fleet.
