Ukraine's "Spiderweb" drone assault is a wake-up call for all

Ukraine recently launched a massive drone operation, codenamed "Spiderweb," targeting Russian air bases as far as Siberia. The attack, which involved 117 drones across multiple time zones, has significant global implications, highlighting the vulnerability of military assets everywhere. The proliferation of inexpensive drones is making air defenses and hardened shelters crucial, as the cost curve cannot be ignored. The attack has been described as a "new missile age" where "everybody has to look up" and almost everything is in range. The operation has also raised concerns about China's capabilities, with experts warning that Beijing may be building a "launcher that can fit inside a standard commercial shipping container" for covert employment of missiles. The attack has been described as a "paradigm shift" that requires a fundamental change in traditional defense and security thinking. Ukraine's security service claimed that Russian wreckage totaled $7 billion, with 41 aircraft hit, including strategic bombers that hamper Russia's nuclear capabilities. While Russia still has the capability to retaliate, Ukraine's operation has pushed the boundaries of what is thought possible with drone technology.