Royal Navy Submarine Confronts Russian Spy Ship in UK Waters

[Social Media]

 

In a demonstration of strength and resolve, the Royal Navy deployed an attack submarine to surface near a Russian spy ship suspected of mapping Britain's critical undersea infrastructure. The incident, which first occurred in November and re-emerged this week, highlights the UK’s escalating concerns over Russian activities in its waters.  

 

 

Defence Secretary John Healey addressed Parliament in a rare disclosure, revealing that the Royal Navy submarine HMS *Astute* confronted the Russian research vessel *Yantar* off the UK coast. The initial event took place near Cornish waters, prompting Healey to adjust naval rules of engagement, allowing British warships and submarines to approach closer and track the vessel more effectively. Speaking directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Healey declared: “We see you. We know what you are doing. And we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country.”  

 

 

The Defence Secretary emphasized the seriousness of the situation by publicly acknowledging the movements of the UK’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet—an exceptional step that underscores the gravity of the threat posed by *Yantar*. The vessel has been identified as a tool for gathering intelligence and mapping vital undersea cables and pipelines, which are critical components of Britain’s infrastructure.  

 

Russia’s activities in UK waters have alarmed NATO allies, who share growing concerns about the Kremlin’s potential to disrupt offshore infrastructure. A senior NATO official recently warned of the “real prospect” that Russia could engage in unconventional attacks, such as sabotage or arson, with potentially devastating consequences.  

 

In its latest incursion, *Yantar* entered the UK’s exclusive economic zone, approximately 45 miles off the British coast, on Monday. The spy ship was reported to be traveling through the English Channel, heading east toward the North Sea.  

 

In response, the Royal Navy deployed Type 23 frigate HMS *Somerset* and patrol vessel HMS *Tyne* to monitor the ship’s movements continuously. Healey assured Parliament and the British public: “Russia remains the most pressing and immediate threat to Britain, and I want to assure the House and the British people that any threat will be met with strength and resolve.”  

 

The UK’s efforts to counter Russian activities extend beyond its waters. P-8 Poseidon and Rivet Joint spy planes are now part of NATO operations to secure undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Additionally, RFA *Proteus* has been tasked with monitoring offshore cabling and pipelines.  

 

The highly publicized confrontation reflects a broader strategy of deterrence against Russia’s increasingly aggressive maneuvers. As the UK and NATO prepare for potential unconventional attacks, Healey’s message to Russia was clear: Britain will not tolerate threats to its sovereignty or security.

 

Based on a report by Sky News 2025-01-23

 

 

[tandor]

so what did Putin reply to Healey ??

[rovinman]

A shot across its bow, used to be used, used in the "Olden Days"  !

[scottiejohn]

18 minutes ago, rovinman said:

A shot across its bow, used to be used, used in the "Olden Days"  !

From an SSN!

 

PS;  An SSN is a nuclear powered submarine that does not carry a deck gun!

[Chomper Higgot]

16 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

From an SSN!

 

PS;  An SSN is a nuclear powered submarine that does not carry a deck gun!

HMS Somerset certainly does have a deck gun.

 

But I think flying a couple of commercially available drones over the spy ship might have got the message across.

 

[scottiejohn]

5 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

HMS Somerset certainly does have a deck gun.

 

But I think flying a couple of commercially available drones over the spy ship might have got the message across.

 

How would the crew know that "commercially available drones" had anything to do with the RN/UK Government?

Do a couple of "commercially available drones" look anything like as powerful as a large SSN suddenly surfacing close to you and how does a pair of drones achieve this;

"I authorised a Royal Navy submarine, strictly as a deterrent measure, to surface close to Yantar to make clear that we had been covertly monitoring its every move." said the UK Defence Secretary!

[Chomper Higgot]

1 minute ago, scottiejohn said:

How would the crew know that "commercially available drones" had anything to do with the RN/UK Government?

Do a couple of "commercially available drones" look anything like as powerful as a large SSN suddenly surfacing close to you and how does a pair of drones achieve this;

"I authorised a Royal Navy submarine, strictly as a deterrent measure, to surface close to Yantar to make clear that we had been covertly monitoring its every move." said the UK Defence Secretary!

It was a humorous comment, though I understand for many Russians ‘commercially available drones’ are not or indeed were not, a laughing matter.

[Stiddle Mump]

More anti-Russian stuff.

 

Wouldn't it be nice to get on with yer neighbors?

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

2 minutes ago, Stiddle Mump said:

More anti-Russian stuff.

 

Wouldn't it be nice to get on with yer neighbors?

 

 

Ask the Ukrainians how getting along with their Russian Neighbors is going.

[frank83628]

12 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Ask the Ukrainians how getting along with their Russian Neighbors is going.

Blame victoria nuland for that, she was involved in the coup that ousted the Democratically elected leader

[Stiddle Mump]

12 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Ask the Ukrainians how getting along with their Russian Neighbors is going.

Indeed! Just proves my subtle point. 

 

A bit like Mussolini; threatening everyone with Hitler's army. Yappy-dog UK, hiding behind the US coat-tails, mouthing off. 

 

Let's hope The Don will put the Brits in their place. But he is Scottish; so just England.

[Chomper Higgot]

Just now, Stiddle Mump said:

Indeed! Just proves my subtle point. 

 

A bit like Mussolini; threatening everyone with Hitler's army. Yappy-dog UK, hiding behind the US coat-tails, mouthing off. 

 

Let's hope The Don will put the Brits in place. But he is Scottish; so just England.

I think the only thing you’ve demonstrated is your eagerness to shill for Putin and your complete lack of understanding of the UK’s commitment to defense of its own territory and essential infrastructure.

 

But congratulations, you’ve just won the thread’s Godwin Gong.

[nauseus]

50 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

From an SSN!

 

PS;  An SSN is a nuclear powered submarine that does not carry a deck gun!

 

RN boats don't. They are full of torpedoes and cruise missiles instead.

[Stiddle Mump]

Just now, Chomper Higgot said:

I think the only thing you’ve demonstrated is your eagerness to shill for Putin and your complete lack of understanding of the UK’s commitment to defense of its own territory and essential infrastructure.

 

But congratulations, you’ve just won the thread’s Godwin Gong.

The Ruskies don't trust the Brits one little bit. A bit of history there.

 

Is 45 miles away from the shore in Brit's waters? Maybe they strayed closer. Don't have to threaten a superpower do we? Make it public and all that. Naughty Ruskies. They will get what's coming. So will we, if we continue down this anti-Russian pathway!

[mfd101]

Yawn, so the sub surfaces near the Russian spy vessel. The Russians wave cheerfully and carry on. The sub waves back and does nothing.

 

Brave Little Britain.  Can't actually do anything as long as the Russians are in international waters UNLESS (I assume) they catch them red-handed in the act and therefore (I assume) breaking international laws ... Got to have good grounds for acting BEFORE you act. Russians surveying the cables but not damaging them is not actionable, I shouid think.

[Tropicalevo]

Dear Royal Navy

Just sink the bloomin thing for invading UK waters.

(As Russia would if a navy warship entered their territorial waters.)