'Operation Spider's Web' Spooks China As It Fears Taiwan Could Copy Ukraine's Drone Tactics
Chinese analysts warn of 'infiltration' threats after Ukraine's covert drone strikes deep inside Russia.
Ukrainian forces' drone strikes on airbases deep within Russian territory, despite lacking long-range missiles or strategic bombers, are now a source of concern for China as it contemplates 'reunification" with Taiwan, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.
The operation, dubbed Spider's Web, involved smuggling drones into Russia undetected, utilising unsuspecting drivers to transport them in modified containers close to key airbases. From these locations, drones were launched remotely to destroy high-value targets like surveillance aircraft and long-range bombers parked on the tarmac.
The Russian bases targeted in the operation included Belaya airbase in Irkutsk, situated approximately 4,000 km from Ukraine's border, where strategic nuclear-capable bombers such as the Tu-95, Tu-160, and Tu-22 were targeted. Another base in Amur, near the Chinese border and roughly 8,000 km from Ukraine, was also attacked.
According to a report by the South China Morning Post, the operation's success has alarmed Chinese military experts, particularly regarding a potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
Chinese military aviation analyst and former air force member Fu Qianshao noted the implications extend beyond Russia. 'Such attacks could easily be carried out by secret services or in special military operations," Fu told the South China Morning Post.
He cautioned that China must 'guard against enemy forces infiltrating military bases in such a way", highlighting vulnerabilities deep within its expansive territory.
Like Russia, China possesses numerous military bases scattered thousands of kilometres inland, within what it considers its 'strategic rear area".
Supporting this perspective, Timothy Heath, senior international defence researcher at the US-based Rand Corporation, stated that Operation Spider's Web demonstrated how drones can threaten even the most distant and well-protected military sites. 'Drones can be deployed close to a target and are difficult to defend against," Heath explained. 'It also showed that there are few truly safe spaces in war zones anymore".
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First Published:
June 07, 2025, 21:58 IST
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