The UK Ministry of Defense reported that a Russian spy ship, Yantar, has been tracked in British waters on two occasions in recent months. The incidents involved a British submarine surfacing near the vessel to deter it from gathering intelligence on critical undersea cables.
- UK tracked Russian spy ship Yantar twice.
- British submarine surfaced to deter Russian vessel.
- Yantar accused of mapping undersea cables.
- Concerns over hybrid warfare tactics increase.
- Royal Navy adjusted engagement rules.
- Surveillance aircraft deployed for monitoring.
The Yantar was first detected in November 2024, loitering near vital undersea cables. In response, the UK deployed three Royal Navy vessels and a maritime patrol aircraft to monitor the ship closely. The Ministry of Defense confirmed that the submarine’s action was part of a strategy to ensure the security of the UK’s underwater infrastructure.
Key details of the incidents include:
- The Yantar was tracked in British waters in November 2024 and again in January 2025.
- British Defense Secretary John Healey stated that the ship is involved in mapping undersea cables.
- Royal Navy vessels, including HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne, were deployed to monitor the Yantar.
Healey emphasized the importance of safeguarding undersea cables, which are critical for global data transmission. Recent incidents of damage to such cables have raised alarms among Western officials, who suspect potential hybrid warfare tactics from Russia and China. The UK has responded by adjusting its naval rules of engagement to allow closer monitoring of the Yantar.
The tracking of the Yantar highlights ongoing tensions in maritime security, particularly regarding Russian activities near critical infrastructure. The UK’s proactive measures reflect a broader strategy to counter potential threats in the North Sea and beyond.
