Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine recently attacked a major drone against Russia which was named “Operation Spider Web”. The attack was carried out deep within the boundaries of Russia in which Ukraine attacked three major Russian airbase, Oleanya and Ivanovo. In this attack, more than one-third of Russia’s strategic long distance bombers were destroyed. But the most surprising thing of this attack was that the technique used in it was about 20 years old open-source software Ardupilot.
What is Ardupilot?
This information has been revealed in a report stating that a software called Ardupilot was used in this attack, which was first created by Chris Anderson in 2007 with the help of Lego Mindstorms Kit. Anderson was the editor-in-chief of WIRED magazine at that time. He then converted this project into a full platform with Jordy Munoz and Jason Short.
Initially this software was designed for Arduino hardware but over time it became so advanced that it can now control drones, boats, submarines and rovers. Through this, it is possible to set GPS vapoint, automatically automatically and keep the flight of drones stable.
Software was made for peace
Ardupilot was originally designed for peace and public service purposes such as search and rescue work, agricultural survey or 3D mapping. But now this software is also proving its usefulness in the battlefield. Since it is open-source, anyone can modify it according to their need.
The official website of this project also says that it is run by a global community which emphasizes moral development. Although developers appeal not to use it as weapons but there is no restriction on anyone as it is publicly available.
How was the operation ‘Spider Web’?
In the video footage surfaced online, it can be seen that Ukrainian drones were equipped with Ardupilot. According to media reports, Ukraine’s security agency SBU had hidden these explosive drones to trucks and storage units inside Russia. As soon as the operation started, the roofs of these hidden containers opened and drones left for their target.
Interestingly, these drones used ordinary mobile networks and small computer boards like Raspberry Pi instead of satellite service like Starlink. Despite the high latcy, Ardupilot software played an important role in maintaining flight control and stability.
Ukrainian President confirmed
Europe, together with America, has better weapons than Russia. We also have stronger tactical solutions – our operation “Spiderweb” yesterday proved that. Russia must feel what its losses mean. That is what will push it toward diplomacy.
And when Russia takes losses in this… pic.twitter.com/7vel0PRFrn
– Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Volodymyr Zelenskyy (@zelenskyyua) June 2, 2025
Sharing information on X (first Twitter), President Volodimir Jailonsky said that a total of 117 drones were involved in this operation and preparations for this mission were going on for the last one year. He said, “We attacked Russia’s three time zone together and all our operatives were taken out of Russia safely.”
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