A Russian spy ship, the Yantar, has used lasers to disrupt Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots tracking its movements near UK waters, Defence Secretary John Healey announced. This marks the first time such a tactic has been used by the vessel. The Yantar had entered UK waters north of Scotland for the second time this year in recent weeks.
Healey described the laser use as “deeply dangerous” and said the government was treating the incident “extremely seriously.” He warned that military options were prepared if the Yantar changed course, adding: “My message to Russia and to Putin is this: we see you. We know what you’re doing. And if the Yantar travels south this week, we are ready.”
The incident occurred while the Yantar was being monitored by a Royal Navy frigate and RAF surveillance aircraft tasked with tracking the ship. Healey has since altered Royal Navy rules of engagement to allow closer pursuit of the vessel when it is in UK-controlled waters.
The Yantar, commissioned in 2015 and operated by Russia’s Main Directorate for Deep Sea Research, is suspected of conducting underwater surveillance and sabotage in conflict. The UK has long been concerned that the vessel maps critical undersea infrastructure, such as internet cables.
The Russian Embassy dismissed the UK’s accusations, stating that Russia is uninterested in British underwater communications and accusing the UK of fostering militaristic hysteria.
Labour MP Matt Western highlighted the ongoing threat from Russia and called for potentially stronger retaliation. The Yantar’s last known location was in the Baltic Sea north of Latvia, and it was recently escorted out of Dutch territorial waters. RAF aircraft continue to monitor the Scottish coast where the ship is believed to be nearby.
Security experts warned that laser use is a provocative escalation that risks the safety of pilots and raises concerns about protection of vital undersea infrastructure. Healey also referenced global security challenges, including threats from China.
Meanwhile, the UK Ministry of Defence faces pressure to reduce reliance on U.S. military resources and improve domestic and European defence capabilities. The government is also negotiating with the EU on terms to allow British firms to participate in a major European defence funding scheme, stressing value for taxpayers.