The Royal Navy has been actively monitoring a Russian Spyship, the Yantar, after it was detected operating near UK waters earlier this week, according to the defence secretary’s address to MPs. This incident has reignited concerns about Russian activity around critical undersea infrastructure.
What is the Yantar and Why is it Suspicious?
The defence secretary identified the vessel as the Yantar, a ship suspected of gathering intelligence and mapping the UK’s vital underwater infrastructure. He characterized the incident as “another example of growing Russian aggression,” underscoring the increasing tension in the region. The defence secretary also sent a direct message to President Vladimir Putin: “We see you, we know what you’re doing and we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country.”
While Russia describes the Yantar as an oceanic research vessel operated by its Ministry of Defence, Western nations have long tracked its movements in European waters. There is a strong suspicion that a key part of its mission involves mapping undersea cables, a critical component of global communication and energy infrastructure. This activity is believed to have intensified since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The presence of this Russian Spyship so close to UK waters raises serious security questions.
The Yantar is equipped with advanced surveillance technology and can deploy submersible drones capable of reaching the ocean floor, further fueling concerns about its true purpose. Undersea infrastructure, encompassing power cables and pipelines vital for energy supply, and the undersea cables that carry over 95% of internet traffic, is crucial for modern society. The potential for a Russian Spyship to disrupt or gather intelligence on this infrastructure is a major concern.
How Did the Royal Navy Respond and What are the Rules of Engagement?
The defence secretary revealed that the Yantar was recently detected 45 miles off the British coast in the English Channel on Monday and is currently located in the North Sea. He explained the Royal Navy’s response: “For the last two days the Royal Navy has deployed HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne to monitor the vessel every minute through our waters.”
Significantly, the defence secretary announced that he had “changed the Royal Navy’s rules of engagement so that our warships can get closer and better track the Yantar.” This adjustment indicates a more assertive stance towards monitoring the Russian Spyship. The defence secretary also clarified that “so far, the ship has complied with international rules of navigation.”
This is not the first time the Yantar has been observed in proximity to UK waters. The defence secretary disclosed that the vessel was also detected “loitering over UK critical undersea infrastructure” in November. In response to that earlier incident, a Royal Navy submarine was authorized to surface near the Yantar, a highly unusual maneuver. The defence secretary described this action “strictly as a deterrent measure” and “to make clear that we have been covertly monitoring its every move.” Sources also confirmed that a verbal warning was issued to the ship. “The ship then left UK waters without further loitering and sailed down to the Mediterranean,” the defence secretary added.
How is Deterrence Being Strengthened and What is the Role of International Cooperation?
The government is actively strengthening its response to Russian naval activity in collaboration with its NATO allies. The Royal Air Force will deploy surveillance aircraft to join a NATO mission focused on protecting critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. This increased vigilance comes after an undersea cable between Estonia and Finland was damaged in December, with police investigating a possible Russian connection.
What is the Political Response and What are the Calls for Increased Defence Spending?
A representative expressed their party’s full support for the government’s approach and its “transparency” regarding the Russian naval threat. They welcomed the revised rules of engagement for the Royal Navy, stating: “This sends a powerful signal to Putin that we will not be intimidated and that if his aim is to keep pushing the boundaries of malign activity in our waters, and those proximate to us, we will respond.” They also emphasized that this situation highlights the urgent need for increased defence spending.
Are There Calls for More Decisive Action?
However, some voices are calling for even stronger measures. A former defence secretary urged the government to impound ships suspected of espionage in UK waters. They argued that the UK should adopt a “more upfront approach.” They argued: “If a ship is suspected of [spying] you’re perfectly at liberty to go and investigate that and sometimes that means you may have to detain a ship for a period of time in order to get to the truth.” They added, “We all know what they’re up to and you do therefore have to have a more proactive, forward-leaning stance towards it.”
Another former defence secretary echoed the call for stronger action, stating that the threat from Russian naval activity has “grown exponentially.” They stated: “If the Royal Navy and the RAF are to have any chance to keep that critical national infrastructure safe they are going to need a flood of resources.” They concluded, “We need to be massively scaling up and doing it very quickly.”
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