Russia's 'retaliation' strike shows strained aviation fleet after Ukraine's Spider's Web operation

Defense Express reported the information.

During the Russian long-range attack on the night of June 6, Russia launched 36 Kh-101 cruise missiles at Ukraine from strategic bombers. This was only part of a large-scale combined strike that also included 6 ballistic missiles from Iskander and/or KN-23 systems, 2 R-500 cruise missiles from Iskander systems, and 407 Shahed-type drones and decoys.

But it's the cruise missiles that deserve special attention, as Russian propaganda framed this strike as 'retribution' for The Spider’s Web operation and the heavy losses in Russia’s strategic aviation. Moreover, it was meant to show that the operation had not hurt them.

As Defense Express learned from its own sources, Russia managed to involve only five Tu-95MS and two Tu-160 bombers in the strike. While previously each carried 1–3 missiles, this time they were almost fully loaded, averaging five missiles per aircraft to boost salvo strength. And that’s not counting the fact that some Russian cruise missiles crash within Russia itself - meaning more than 36 Kh-101s were likely launched, but not all reached their targets.

The last time something similar was recorded was in August 2024, during what was then the largest combined strike - on August 26, at least 127 missiles were launched (compared to 46 on the night of June 6). Back then, 11 Tu-95MS bombers launched 77 Kh-101 cruise missiles.

The practice of using missile carriers with minimal missile loads has been linked to the enemy’s intent to reduce strain on aircraft and extend their service life. Similarly, Tu-160 bombers are used sparingly to preserve their engine lifespan.

Previously, Tu-160s were used in combat roughly once every six months to a year. But on the night of June 6, it was their second consecutive use - a notable shift. The known combat use of Tu-160s since 2023 now looks like this: May 18, 2023; November 17, 2024; May 26 and June 6, 2025. The fact that these bombers were deployed again just 10 days later clearly indicates that, despite everything, the Russians were trying to ensure the strength of their missile salvo.

Thus, if Russia wants to maintain a similar pace and power of air-launched cruise missile strikes, it has no alternative but to keep flying a limited number of aircraft fully loaded - at least in the short term.

According to Air Force Command statistics, out of 36 Kh-101 cruise missiles detected in Ukrainian airspace, 30 were shot down. Both R-500 missiles from Iskander systems were also intercepted. The use of ballistic missiles had almost no effect - 4 were shot down, and 2 failed to reach their targets.

Regarding long-range drones, which have long been the Russian main tool for distant attacks, out of 407 hostile drones, 368 were neutralized: 199 were shot down, and 169 were jammed or lost due to electronic warfare measures.

• On the evening of June 5, Russia launched attack drones and ballistic missiles on Ukraine; by the morning of June 6, missile strikes were confirmed.