Defence Secretary John Healey has issued a caution to Vladimir Putin after disclosing that a Russian spy vessel positioned near UK waters targeted RAF pilots with lasers.
Healey denounced Russia’s “highly risky move” and stated that the UK has military strategies prepared in case the Yantar ship heads south. This marks the second time the ship has entered British waters in the past year to conduct surveillance on crucial undersea cables.
During a press briefing at Downing Street, the Defence Secretary stated, “At this moment, a Russian spy ship, the Yantar, is at the northern edge of UK waters, having ventured into broader UK waters over recent weeks, equipped for intelligence gathering and undersea cable mapping.”
“We have deployed a Royal Navy frigate and RAF aircraft to closely monitor and trail the vessel’s movements, during which the Yantar directed lasers at our pilots. This action by Russia is highly perilous, and this is the ship’s second intrusion into UK waters this year,” he added.
Addressing Russia and Putin directly, Healey warned, “We are aware of your actions, and if the Yantar moves south this week, we are prepared.”
His alert followed a parliamentary committee’s warning that the UK lacks a defense plan against military assaults. Healey pledged to enhance Britain’s readiness with plans for at least 13 new arms production facilities.
The Yantar is part of a Russian fleet designated to target critical undersea cables linking the UK and Europe, carrying essential civilian and military communications, electricity, and gas.
Healey described the ship as having capabilities for surveillance during peace and sabotage during conflict. When asked about the use of lasers by a Russian vessel against pilots, he confirmed, “This is the first instance of such action from the Yantar against the British RAF.”
“We take this matter very seriously. I have revised the Navy’s rules of engagement to allow closer monitoring of the Yantar’s activities when in our waters. We are prepared with military options,” he emphasized.
The Defence Secretary emphasized the need for the UK to bolster its defenses in a changing landscape of heightened threats. He highlighted recent global events, including conflicts in the Middle East, tensions between India and Pakistan, and Russian activities in Ukraine.
“This represents a new era of threats that demands a new defense approach – one of robust power, strong alliances, and adept diplomacy. As threats escalate, Britain must step up, and we are ready to do so,” Healey stated.
Ahead of the upcoming Budget announcement, Healey assured that there would be no regression in the strength of the UK’s armed forces.