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Ukraine Claims Hack of Russian Bomber Manufacturer, Exposing Secrets

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Kyiv, June 4, 2025 – A source within Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) claims they successfully breached the systems of Tupolev, a key Russian aerospace and defense company responsible for producing strategic bombers. This cyberattack allegedly provided Ukrainian intelligence with a trove of sensitive internal data.

Tupolev, sanctioned since 2022 for its role in the war against Ukraine, manufactures the aircraft used to launch long-range missile strikes against Ukrainian targets. The HUR source indicated that over 4.4 GB of data was extracted, including correspondence, personnel information, and meeting minutes.

“The significance of the data obtained cannot be overestimated,” the source stated. “Now, in fact, there is nothing secret left in Tupolev’s activities for Ukrainian intelligence.”

The compromised information reportedly includes details about the engineers and staff maintaining Russia’s Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers, vital components of Russia’s nuclear capabilities.

“In particular, we have obtained comprehensive information about individuals directly involved in servicing Russian strategic aviation,” the source added, suggesting that the intelligence gained will have tangible consequences.

Beyond data exfiltration, the alleged cyberattack included defacing Tupolev’s website with an image of an owl – a symbol of HUR – clutching a Russian aircraft.


Tupolev Website Defacement

Homepage of Tupolev’s official website features an image of an owl clutching a Russian aircraft. (HUR)

This cyber operation follows reported drone attacks by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on Russian air bases, allegedly damaging a significant portion of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet.

While The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify all claims, the source provided excerpts of internal documents as evidence of the breach.

Combined with recent physical attacks, this alleged cyberattack represents a significant blow to Russia’s long-range air power capabilities. The long-term impact on Russia’s military operations remains to be seen.

Author: Tim Zadorozhnyy

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Ngoc Vy

Ngoc Vy is a tech journalist specializing in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and their societal impact. She combines technical rigor with on-the-ground coverage of Vietnam’s startup ecosystem, from AI ethics debates to gov-tech adoption. Ngoc Vy is also passionate about bridging the gender gap in STEM journalism.