Ukraine SBU Alpha long range strikes in 2025
Ukraine SBU Alpha long range strikes were highlighted this week after Ukraines Security Service released video footage claiming successful attacks on five Russian airfields in 2025. According to the SBU, the operations resulted in the destruction of 15 Russian aircraft and caused damage estimated at around one billion dollars.
The footage, shared through official Ukrainian channels, shows what the SBU describes as confirmed hits on combat aircraft, helicopters, and a transport plane stationed at multiple bases deep inside Russian territory. Ukrainian officials say the strikes were carried out as part of a broader campaign to reduce Russias ability to conduct long range air and missile operations against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
What the SBU footage shows
The SBU Alpha unit states that the video documents strikes against aircraft parked on airfields, including fighters, bombers, helicopters, and support platforms. The agency claims the following losses were inflicted:
Eleven fighters and bombers, including Su 30SM, Su 34, Su 27, Su 24, and MiG 31 aircraft
Three helicopters, including Mi 28, Mi 26, and Mi 8 types
One An 26 military transport aircraft
Ukrainian officials say the aircraft were either destroyed outright or damaged beyond repair. Independent verification of each individual loss remains limited, though open source analysts have previously confirmed that Russian air bases have been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian long range systems since 2023.
Strategic significance of the attacks
If confirmed, the Ukraine SBU Alpha long range strikes would represent one of the most damaging single series of attacks on Russian air power in 2025. Russian tactical aviation, particularly platforms like the Su 34 and MiG 31, plays a central role in launching glide bombs, cruise missiles, and air to surface strikes against Ukraine.
By targeting aircraft on the ground, Ukraine aims to impose costs that are difficult and slow for Russia to replace. Many of the aircraft types listed are no longer in active production or rely on complex supply chains affected by sanctions, according to assessments from the International Institute for Strategic Studies and other defense research bodies.
Methods and capabilities
The SBU has not disclosed the exact systems used in the operation. Ukraine has previously employed a mix of long range drones, modified munitions, and special operations enabled targeting to strike airfields hundreds of kilometers from the front line.
Defense analysts note that such operations require accurate intelligence, precise navigation, and the ability to penetrate or bypass Russian air defenses. Over the past two years, Ukraine has steadily expanded its domestic long range strike capabilities, with a growing focus on air bases, logistics hubs, and command infrastructure.
Russian response and official silence
As of publication, Russias Ministry of Defense has not issued a detailed response to the SBU Alpha claims. In past incidents, Moscow has acknowledged attacks on airfields while disputing the scale of losses or stating that aircraft were damaged rather than destroyed.
Russian military bloggers have previously reported temporary flight suspensions and increased base security following similar strikes, suggesting operational disruption even when official statements downplay damage.
Broader impact on the air war
The Ukraine SBU Alpha long range strikes reflect a continuing shift in the conflict, where Ukraine increasingly targets high value assets far from the front line. For Russia, protecting airfields has become a growing challenge, requiring the redistribution of air defense systems that are also needed near active combat zones.
Western defense officials have repeatedly assessed that sustained pressure on Russian aviation could reduce the tempo of air strikes and limit Russias ability to project power across Ukraine.
What comes next
While questions remain about the full extent of the damage, the release of detailed strike footage suggests Kyiv is seeking to demonstrate capability and resolve. The campaign underscores Ukraines focus on asymmetric methods to offset Russias numerical advantages in aircraft and missiles.
As the air war continues in 2025, long range strikes on airfields are likely to remain a key element of Ukraines strategy.
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