The UK has detected three Russian submarines conducting a covert operation over critical undersea cables and pipelines in waters north of the country, Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed. A British frigate, fuel tanker, and anti-submarine Merlin helicopters were deployed to monitor the activity and deter any “malign” actions. Healey emphasised that there was no evidence of damage to UK infrastructure, but warned Russia that any attempt to interfere with these vital networks would carry serious consequences.
Addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin directly, Healey stated: “We see you. We see your activity over our cables and our pipelines… any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated.” The UK relies on around 60 undersea cables for more than 90% of its internet traffic, as well as pipelines critical to energy supply.
The operation involved one Akula-class submarine acting as a diversion while two GUGI spy submarines conducted surveillance.
The Royal Navy tracked all three vessels closely, deploying sonar buoys to signal constant monitoring, while allied nations, including Norway, assisted. The Akula-class submarine left UK waters after being observed, but the GUGI submarines remained under watch. Healey said the operation, intended to be secret, was fully exposed, demonstrating the UK’s capability to safeguard its strategic undersea infrastructure.
via BBC
