A Russian “spy” ship has been monitored by the Royal Navy after it entered UK waters earlier this week, the defence secretary has stated.
The vessel, referred to as Yantar, has been used for gathering intelligence and mapping the UK’s vital underwater infrastructure, John Healey instructed MPs.
The UK and its NATO allies are more and more involved in regards to the threat that President Vladimir Putin‘s nation poses to offshore cables, pipelines and different infrastructure.
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Defence Secretary John Healey. Pic: PA
Mr Healey stated Yantar entered the “UK unique financial zone about 45 miles off the British coast” on Monday.
He stated that for the final two days, the Royal Navy has deployed Kind 23 frigate HMS Somerset and patrol ship HMS Tyne to “monitor the vessel each minute by our waters”.
In a direct message to Mr Putin, he stated: “We see you, we all know what you are doing and we won’t shrink back from strong motion to guard this nation.”
Navy guidelines of engagement modified
The defence secretary stated he modified the navy’s guidelines of engagement so “our warships can get nearer and higher observe the Yantar”.
He stated the ship “has complied with worldwide guidelines of navigation” and has since sailed into the North Sea.
Russia has stated Yantar is an oceanographic analysis ship which is operated by its defence ministry.
Second incident in months
Mr Healey instructed the Home of Commons it was the second time Yantar had entered British waters in latest months, after it was detected in November “loitering over vital undersea infrastructure”.
RFA Proteus monitoring Russian ship Yanter in November 2024. Pic: Royal Navy/PA
Again then, a Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarine was used to warn off the “spy” ship.
‘Monitoring its each transfer’
RAF maritime patrol plane, minehunter HMS Cattistock, offshore patrol vessel HMS Tyne and surveillance ship RFA Proteus have been additionally deployed “to shadow Yantar’s each motion”.
Mr Healey added: “I authorised a Royal Navy submarine, strictly as a deterrent measure, to floor near Yantar to clarify that we had been covertly monitoring its each transfer.
“The ship then left UK waters with out additional loitering and sailed all the way down to the Mediterranean.”
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Mr Healey warned: “Russia stays essentially the most urgent and instant risk to Britain, and I wish to guarantee the Home and the British those that any risk will probably be met with power and resolve.”
P-8 Poseidon and Rivet Joint spy planes will be part of the NATO operation to guard undersea cabling within the Baltic Sea, whereas RFA Proteus has additionally been deployed to observe offshore infrastructure.
