Ukraine launched Operation Spider Web and struck deep into Russian territory. As a result, nearly one-third of Russia’s long-range bombers were destroyed. This attack became one of the most daring and advanced drone strikes in modern warfare.
Explosions Rock Russian Air Bases
On Sunday afternoon, loud blasts hit three major Russian air bases—Belaya, Olenya, and Ivanovo. These sites lie hundreds of miles from Ukraine. Yet, Ukraine managed to carry out the attack in broad daylight. Clearly, this operation required high-level planning and coordination.
Ukraine Used Old Drone Software
Interestingly, Ukraine used a 20-year-old open-source software called ArduPilot to guide the drones. This software was originally created for hobbyist drones, not military use. Still, it played a key role in the successful strike. The operation took more than a year to plan.
Creator Shocked by War Use
Chris Anderson, who created ArduPilot, was shocked. He saw a video of the attack and commented, “That’s ArduPilot, launched from my basement 18 years ago. Crazy.”
18 years after @Jrdmnz @jason4short and I created ArduPilot, here it is destroying large parts of the Russian air force. Crazy https://t.co/2SfPQHrcuA
— Chris Anderson (@chr1sa) June 1, 2025
From Fun Project to War Tool
Later, Anderson posted about the attack on X (formerly Twitter). He tagged his co-creators, Jordi Muñoz and Jason Short. In response, Short said, “Not in a million years would I have predicted this outcome. I just wanted to make flying robots.”
He also added, “Ardupilot-powered drones just took out half the Russian strategic bomber fleet.”
Wow. Ardupilot powered drones just took out half the Russian strategic bomber fleet. https://t.co/5juA1UXrv4
— Jason Short (@jason4short) June 1, 2025
ArduPilot Started With Lego and a Dream
Back in 2007, Anderson launched the website DIYdrones.com. Then, he built a basic drone autopilot using a Lego Mindstorms kit. For two years, his Lego drone flew successfully. As a result, drone enthusiasts began to follow his work.
The Project Grew Into a Global Tool
Soon, Anderson and Muñoz co-founded a drone company called 3DR. They released the first version of ArduPilot in 2009. Despite its success, the software remained free and open to everyone. Anyone could modify it for their own use.
ArduPilot Supports Many Vehicles
According to its official website, “ArduPilot is a trusted, versatile, and open source autopilot system supporting many vehicle types: multi-copters, traditional helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, boats, submarines, rovers, and more.”
It also states, “The source code is developed by a large community of professionals and enthusiasts. New developers are always welcome!”
Popular in Both Ukraine and Russia
Surprisingly, 2023 web data showed that both Ukrainians and Russians were using ArduPilot since the war began. What started as a hobbyist software has now turned into a powerful tool in global conflict.