Defence Secretary John Healey has issued a stark warning that a Russian spy ship, the Yantar, is currently operating on the edge of UK waters north of Scotland. He confirmed that military options are prepared should the vessel turn towards the British coast.
Close Monitoring and Dangerous Encounters
Speaking from a Downing Street news conference, Mr Healey revealed that this is the second deployment of the Yantar to UK waters this year. The specialised intelligence vessel, designed for gathering intelligence and mapping undersea cables, entered the UK's wider waters in recent weeks.
The Royal Navy has deployed a frigate and RAF aircraft to monitor the ship's movements. During these operations, the Yantar directed lasers at British pilots, an action Mr Healey described as deeply dangerous. This marks the first time such laser action has been taken by the Yantar against RAF personnel.
A New Era of Threats and Readiness
Mr Healey delivered a direct message to Moscow, stating: We see you, we know what you're doing, and if the Yantar travels south this week, we are ready. He emphasised that the vessel is part of a Russian fleet intended to threaten undersea infrastructure belonging to the UK and its allies.
The ship operates under Moscow's Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research (GUGI), a programme designed for peacetime surveillance and potential sabotage during conflict. In response, the Defence Secretary has altered the Royal Navy's rules of engagement to allow closer monitoring of the Yantar's activities.
Broader Defence Concerns
This incident occurs alongside a concerning report from the Commons Defence Committee, which found the UK lacks a comprehensive plan for defending the homeland and overseas territories from military attack. The report urges the government to better communicate the level of threat faced by the public.
Despite these concerns, the government is moving forward with plans to bolster domestic defence capabilities. At least 13 sites across the UK have been identified for new munitions and military explosives factories, with the first plant expected to break ground next year.
Mr Healey concluded that the UK is in a new era of threat that demands a new era for defence, vowing continued vigilance alongside allies. The Russian embassy has been contacted for comment regarding the Yantar's activities.
