Defence Secretary John Healey has issued a stern warning to Vladimir Putin after revealing that a Russian spy vessel, positioned at the outskirts of UK waters, targeted RAF pilots with lasers.
Healey denounced Russia’s “extremely risky behavior” and confirmed that the UK has military strategies in place if the Yantar ship moves south. This marks the second occasion the ship has encroached upon British waters within a year to conduct surveillance on crucial underwater cables.
Speaking at a press briefing in Downing Street, the Defence Secretary stated, “Currently, a Russian intelligence-gathering ship, the Yantar, is located near UK waters, north of Scotland, after entering UK’s broader waters in recent weeks. The vessel is specifically designed for intelligence gathering and mapping underwater cables.”
“We have dispatched a Royal Navy frigate and RAF aircraft to monitor and trail the vessel’s movements closely, during which the Yantar directed lasers at our pilots. This aggressive Russian action is a cause for concern, and this marks the second instance this year that the ship has ventured into UK waters.”
He further addressed Russia and Putin, saying, “We are observant of your actions, fully aware of your intentions, and prepared if the Yantar decides to move south this week.”
The Defence Secretary’s statement follows a report from a parliamentary committee highlighting the UK’s lack of a defense plan against military threats. Healey pledged to enhance Britain’s preparedness by identifying at least 13 locations for new arms manufacturing facilities.
The Yantar is part of Russia’s fleet dedicated to targeting critical undersea cables linking the UK and Europe, which carry essential civilian and military communications, as well as power and gas.
Healey emphasized that the ship possesses capabilities for surveillance during peacetime and potential sabotage during conflicts. When asked about the use of lasers by a Russian vessel against pilots, he confirmed, “This is the first time we’ve encountered such actions from the Yantar directed at the British RAF.”
“We take this matter seriously. I have revised the Navy’s rules of engagement to enable closer monitoring of the Yantar’s activities within our waters. We are prepared with military options at hand.”
The Defence Secretary’s remarks underscore the urgent need for the UK to enhance its defenses in a time characterized by heightened military threats. He stated, “This underscores a new era of threats where unpredictability and danger loom. Recent events, such as conflicts in various regions and cyberattacks, signify the evolving landscape of threats.”