Royal Navy Considers Warning Shot Against Russian Spy Vessel
The Royal Navy may be forced to fire a warning shot or physically intercept a Russian spy ship that targeted RAF pilots with lasers off the coast of northern Scotland, according to former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove.
The dramatic escalation possibility comes after the Russian vessel Yantar directed lasers at British military aircraft tracking its movements near UK territorial waters. Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed that Britain has military options ready should the situation deteriorate further.
Dangerous Encounter in UK Waters
Speaking to Sky News' Politics Hub, Sir Richard Dearlove revealed that the Navy frigate HMS Somerset is currently monitoring the Yantar, which is understood to be operating on the edge of UK waters. The former intelligence chief described the laser incident as deeply dangerous and part of Russia's campaign of grey warfare.
Defence Secretary Healey issued a stark warning to Moscow, stating: We see you, we know what you're doing, and if the Yantar travels south this week, we are ready. He confirmed this marks the second time this year the specialised intelligence-gathering vessel has entered the UK's wider waters.
The Yantar has been operating within the UK's exclusive economic zone, extending approximately 200 nautical miles offshore, and has also been detected near Britain's territorial waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast.
Russia's Underwater Warfare Capability
Sir Richard Dearlove, who led MI6 from 1999 to 2004, explained that the Yantar represents a significant component of Russia's underwater warfare capability. The vessel is specifically designed for intelligence gathering and mapping undersea infrastructure, including crucial data cables, electricity links, and gas connections.
According to the former intelligence chief, the ship can launch submersibles from beneath its keel, allowing it to conduct reconnaissance on strategic undersea connections into the UK. He emphasised that this activity represents a real vulnerability for national security.
Russia's UK embassy has dismissed the allegations, insisting the Yantar is merely a research vessel operating in international waters. The embassy claimed the accusations raised a smile and warned the British government to refrain from destructive steps.
Escalating Grey Warfare Tactics
Sir Richard described Russia's current approach as grey warfare, meaning the country is prepared to do almost anything short of open conflict. He cited recent attempts to sabotage the main railway line in Poland that carries military supplies into Ukraine as evidence of Moscow's willingness to engage in provocative actions.
The laser incident is believed to have occurred within the past fortnight, marking the first known instance of the Yantar attempting to dazzle RAF aircraft. However, intelligence suggests Russian vessels have previously used lasers against other targets.
Mr Healey revealed that the Yantar is intended for surveillance operations during peacetime and sabotage missions in wartime, underscoring the seriousness of the current situation. The defence secretary emphasised that Britain now faces a new era of threat requiring heightened readiness.
The incident has prompted renewed concerns about the UK's preparedness to defend against such hybrid threats, particularly following a recent parliamentary report warning that the country lacks a comprehensive defence plan despite government promises to boost military readiness.
