The UK Ministry of Defense reported on January 22, 2025, that a British submarine tracked a Russian spy ship, the Yantar, in British waters. This incident marks the second sighting of the vessel in recent months, with Defense Secretary John Healey accusing it of mapping undersea cables and gathering intelligence critical to national security.
- UK tracked Russian spy ship twice recently
- British submarine surfaced to deter Russian vessel
- Yantar accused of mapping undersea cables
- Concerns over hybrid warfare tactics increase
- Royal Navy adjusted engagement rules accordingly
- Surveillance aircraft deployed for Baltic monitoring
The Yantar has been under close observation by the Royal Navy, particularly due to its suspected activities related to undersea infrastructure. In November 2024, the British submarine surfaced near the Yantar to signal its presence and deter the vessel from its operations. The MOD confirmed that the spy ship was loitering over critical undersea infrastructure during that time.
Key details regarding the incidents include:
- The Yantar’s recent presence in British waters, prompting the deployment of two Royal Navy vessels, HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne, to monitor its movements.
- Defense Secretary Healey’s statement that the Yantar is gathering intelligence on the UK’s undersea cables.
- Adjustments made to the Royal Navy’s Rules of Engagement to allow closer monitoring of the Russian vessel.
Healey emphasized the importance of these undersea cables for global data transmission and the increasing threats posed by hybrid warfare tactics from Russia. He noted that incidents of damage to undersea cables have raised concerns about the security of critical infrastructure. The UK government is responding by enhancing surveillance and communication with allies regarding maritime threats.
In summary, the tracking of the Yantar by the UK submarine reflects ongoing tensions and security concerns regarding Russian intelligence operations in sensitive maritime areas. The UK’s proactive measures highlight the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure against hybrid threats.
