Britain must urgently develop greater resilience against Russian drone attacks and other hybrid threats, according to a leading security expert. Rachel Ellehuus, director-general of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), has issued a stark warning about the UK's vulnerability to emerging state threats from Moscow.
The Growing Threat Landscape
Speaking at a recent RUSI event discussing UK foreign policy challenges, Ellehuus emphasised that Russia's provocative actions are becoming increasingly brazen. "Russia's shadow fleet will come, the disinformation will come, the drones will fly again, the irresponsible air incursions will happen," she stated bluntly.
The security expert stressed that Britain needs to adopt both mental and practical resilience measures. This includes changing public attitudes and building redundancy into critical systems such as communication lines and shipping lanes. Ellehuus pointed to Sweden and Finland as examples of nations already accustomed to living with persistent instability from bilateral threshold challenges.
Recent Incidents and Escalating Tensions
The urgency of Ellehuus's warning was underscored by several recent incidents across Europe:
- In September, drones crossed into Polish territory during large-scale Russian attacks on Ukraine
- Days later, fighter jets violated Estonian airspace during Russia-Belarus military drills
- Multiple civilian airports across Europe have faced closures due to sporadic drone sightings
Security analysts speculate these incidents represent Vladimir Putin testing the resilience of nations supporting Ukraine. The pattern suggests a coordinated strategy to probe Western defences and response capabilities.
The Shadow Fleet Challenge
Beyond aerial threats, Ellehuus highlighted Russia's shadow fleet as another major concern. Hundreds of unregulated tankers carrying Russian oil to countries including China and India regularly transit European waters. These vessels deliberately disable identification systems, tamper with location data, and falsify registry documentation to avoid sanctions.
By early 2025, analysts estimated that approximately one sixth of the world's active tanker fleet – exceeding 900 vessels – belonged to Russian operators using obscure flags and shell companies. This practice not only circumvents sanctions but increases collision risks and potential environmental damage.
Ellehuus noted that some nations are becoming bolder in boarding and questioning these ships, despite lacking legal authority to stop or escort them. She called for legislative changes to create stronger enforcement frameworks.
Current UK Response
The warnings come amid heightened tensions in UK waters. This morning, the Russian spy ship Yantar was detected on the edge of British waters north of Scotland. Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed Britain is prepared to respond, with military options developed should the vessel move southward.
The European Union has taken steps to address the shadow fleet threat, designating 444 vessels by July. Countries including Finland and Germany have implemented additional checks, but enforcement capabilities remain limited beyond existing sanctions.
As Russia grows increasingly bold in testing Western resolve, the call for enhanced UK resilience reflects growing concern among security experts about the nation's preparedness for these evolving hybrid threats.
