Ukraine’s drone assault on Russian bombers is a stark warning for US defenses

Kyiv’s recent drone strike, damaging up to 40 Russian aircraft deep inside enemy territory, has not only reshaped the battlefield in Ukraine but also delivered a potent wake-up call to American defense planners. The operation reportedly used low-cost drones to destroy expensive strategic bombers parked far from the front lines—a tactic that highlights new vulnerabilities for modern militaries, warns the Wall Street Journal editorial board.

Military analysts warn that the United States could face similar threats. The US maintains a much smaller strategic bomber fleet than during the Cold War, largely concentrated at a handful of exposed bases. “Could those have been B-2s at the hands of Iranian drones flying out of containers, let alone Chinese?” asked defense strategist Fred Kagan.

The bipartisan Strategic Posture Commission cautioned in 2023 that the homeland requires robust, integrated air and missile defenses—not just against ballistic missiles, but also drones and cruise missiles. Layered defense systems, like Israel’s recent use of lasers to intercept drones, point to what’s possible, but significant gaps remain.

Meanwhile, US airfields, especially in the Pacific, remain susceptible. Thomas Shugart and Timothy Walton of the Hudson Institute argue that current plans for the new B-21 bomber provide scant protection; opting for minimal shelters over hardened structures puts billion-dollar assets at risk.