The United Kingdom government confirmed Thursday that Russian naval forces carried out a covert submarine operation near British waters, threatening critical undersea data and energy infrastructure. Defense Secretary John Healey stated the operation lasted approximately one month and involved two Russian submarines originally positioned in the North Sea.
While the vessels did not breach British territorial waters, they remained within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Healey confirmed that the Royal Navy deployed sonar buoys to deter the submarines from targeting underwater cables. These cables carry vital telecommunications and massive volumes of data between nations.
A warning to Moscow
Reporting from The Telegraph indicates that Norway also responded to the incident by deploying a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft and a frigate. The Russian incursion followed threats from Prime Minister Keir Starmer to seize any Russian-flagged vessels navigating the English Channel.
Healey issued a direct warning to the Kremlin regarding the security of national infrastructure. "To President Vladimir Putin, I say: we see you, we see your activity on our cables and our pipelines, and you must know that any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated and will have grave consequences," Healey said.
This incident marks the latest in a series of confrontations between the UK and Russian vessels near British territory. In November, the Ministry of Defence reported that a Russian-flagged ship targeted Royal Air Force personnel with lasers off the coast of northern Scotland.
British officials maintain that the protection of subsea infrastructure is a top national security priority. The government has increased surveillance efforts to monitor Russian movements in the North Sea and surrounding areas.
