A Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarine deliberately surfaced near a Russian intelligence vessel late last year, sending a clear warning message about Britain's surveillance capabilities. The dramatic encounter was revealed by UK Defense Secretary John Healey during a parliamentary session discussing recent Russian naval activities in British waters.
The Russian vessel Yantar, officially labeled as an "oceanographic research ship" but identified by British authorities as a spy ship, was detected "loitering" near critical underwater infrastructure in UK waters in November 2023. In response, British defense officials authorized an unprecedented move - ordering one of their Astute-class submarines to surface in close proximity to the Russian vessel.
"We wanted to make clear that we had been covertly monitoring its every move," Healey told Parliament. The submarine's emergence was accompanied by Royal Navy warships and patrol aircraft tracking the Russian vessel's movements.
The Yantar, equipped with specialized deep-sea equipment capable of accessing depths up to 18,000 feet, has raised concerns about potential threats to underwater cables carrying vital communications and energy infrastructure between the UK and Europe. The vessel belongs to Russia's Defense Ministry fleet and operates under the Main Directorate Deep-Sea Research.
This week, the Yantar returned to British waters but maintained a shorter presence after being closely escorted by HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne. The Defense Secretary implemented new rules allowing Royal Navy vessels to maintain closer tracking distances with the Russian ship.
"Let me be clear - this is a Russian spy ship used for gathering intelligence and mapping the UK's critical underwater infrastructure," Healey stated firmly. He directed a message to Moscow: "We see you, we know what you're doing."
The public disclosure of submarine operations marks a rare move by UK authorities, likely intended to demonstrate Britain's resolve in protecting its maritime interests. The incident highlights growing tensions over the security of undersea infrastructure, particularly as NATO nations report increased Russian activity near critical submarine cables and pipelines.
British forces continue to maintain vigilant monitoring of Russian vessels in UK waters, with advanced surveillance systems and naval assets ready to respond to potential threats to national security.