The Russian military has started installing anti-drone protection on nuclear submarines at the Rybachiy base in Kamchatka following the successful Ukrainian SBU operation “Web”. Strategic targets are now being reinforced even 7,400 kilometers away from the Ukrainian border. Simultaneously, Ukraine has doubled the number of destroyed Russian air defense systems over the last six months.
Advisor to the Minister of Defense Serhii Sternenko reported this development.
He published satellite imagery showing protective screens over two Borei- and Borei-A-class nuclear-powered submarines.
Sternenko noted:
“After Operation Web, the Russians began protecting nuclear submarines from drones 7,000 km from Ukraine”.
The Rybachiy base serves as the primary hub for the Russian Pacific Fleet’s nuclear submarines, from which they depart on long-range patrols. Each vessel carries 16 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles, forming a vital part of the Kremlin’s nuclear triad. Previously, Russian forces installed metal cages on Grachonok-class patrol boats near the Kerch Bridge.
Impact of Operation Web
Operation Web took place on June 1, 2025, and became the largest attack on Russian strategic aviation. Over a hundred Ukrainian drones equipped with artificial intelligence struck four airbases in the Irkutsk, Murmansk, Ryazan, and Ivanovo regions. The SBU claims the operation disabled 41 aircraft, including Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers. NATO designated this mission as the most successful operation against the enemy’s strategic aviation, as these planes are no longer in production.
Destruction of Russian air defenses
The German outlet Der Spiegel reported that the rate of destruction of Russian air defenses has accelerated significantly.
In April 2026, the number of destroyed Tor, Buk, and S-300 systems was twice as high as in October of the previous year. In March alone, Ukraine launched approximately 7,000 drones toward targets inside Russian territory. According to analysts, between March and May 2026, the number of destroyed Russian radars and air defense systems rose to 37 units, creating critical gaps in the aggressor’s defensive shield.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that the General Staff confirms strikes on Russian targets.
