Russian Spy Ship Tracked in English Channel by Royal Navy

Photo Credit: Royal Navy/PA

This week, the Royal Navy's HMS Somerset tracked a Russian spy ship, the Yantar, sailing through the English Channel. This comes just weeks after the vessel was caught loitering over critical undersea infrastructure in UK waters, raising concerns about the security of vital offshore systems.

Last November, the Royal Navy took decisive action when a submarine surfaced near the Yantar, sternly warning the Russian vessel after covertly monitoring its activities. In response, the Russian vessel departed UK waters for the Mediterranean. However, its return this week highlights the ongoing challenges posed by Russia’s shadow fleet.

UK’s Leadership in Countering Russian Threats

The UK has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting offshore infrastructure and countering growing Russian threats in European seas. Defence Secretary John Healey MP emphasized the government’s resolve, stating:

"My message to President Putin is clear. We know what you are doing, and we will not shy away from robust action to protect Britain. National security is our government’s first duty and a foundation of our Plan for Change."

The UK’s proactive measures include deploying advanced technologies, enhancing military patrols, and collaborating internationally with NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force allies.

NATO Deployment in the Baltic Sea

As part of these efforts, the Royal Air Force (RAF) is contributing maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft to NATO’s new Baltic Sentry initiative, aimed at strengthening the protection of offshore infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The UK’s contribution includes:

• P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

• Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft.

The initiative follows the recent sabotage of the Estlink2 undersea cable between Estonia and Finland, underscoring the vulnerability of the region's critical infrastructure. In response, the UK activated an advanced AI system, Nordic Warden, to bolster monitoring and threat detection capabilities.

Nordic Warden: AI-Driven Protection

The Nordic Warden system represents a significant leap in safeguarding undersea infrastructure. Leveraging various data sources, the AI-assisted system monitors key areas of interest and assesses risks posed by ships. When a potential threat is identified, the system generates alerts that can be shared with NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force partners.

Nordic Warden is also tasked with tracking vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet, which is used to bypass international sanctions and fund the illegal invasion of Ukraine. Since its activation, the system has disrupted this fleet’s activities.

Cracking Down on Putin’s Shadow Fleet

As part of a global alliance led by the UK, significant progress has been made in disrupting Russia’s shadow fleet. The initiative, announced by the Prime Minister at the European Political Community summit last year, has sanctioned 93 oil tankers. These vessels were being used to transport Russian oil and gas to evade sanctions, thereby funding the war in Ukraine.

The Role of RFA Proteus

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s multi-role ocean surveillance ship, RFA Proteus, is a cornerstone of the UK’s offshore infrastructure protection strategy. Equipped with submersible drones, Proteus can assess the condition of undersea cables and pipelines. Last November, it played a pivotal role in shadowing the Yantar, demonstrating the UK’s capability to monitor and counter threats.

Commitment to National Security

Protecting undersea infrastructure is vital for the UK’s economy and national security. The government’s multi-faceted approach—combining advanced technology, international collaboration, and robust military action—ensures that threats are identified and neutralized swiftly.

As Defence Secretary Healey concluded:

"Alongside our Joint Expeditionary Force and NATO allies, we are strengthening our response to ensure that Russian ships and aircraft cannot operate in secrecy near UK or NATO territory."

The UK’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its waters and infrastructure sends a strong message to adversaries: any malign activity will be met with decisive action.

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