The Defence Secretary has warned that Britain is facing a "new era of threat" after a Russian spy ship shone lasers at Royal Air Force pilots monitoring its movements in UK waters.
John Healey said the Yantar, a vessel designed for intelligence gathering and mapping undersea cables, had crossed in and out of the UK's exclusive economic zone in recent weeks. A Royal Navy frigate and RAF P-8 aircraft were deployed to track the ship, during which Russian sailors directed lasers at the pilots.
Mr Healey described the action as "deeply dangerous" and said it was the first time the Yantar had targeted the RAF. He warned that if the ship travelled south this week, "we are ready". The vessel previously entered British waters in January, when it was tracked by a nuclear-powered submarine.
Speaking from Downing Street ahead of the Budget, Mr Healey said the incident vindicated the Government's decision to increase defence spending, including funding for 13 new ammunition factories. He also revealed he had changed the Navy's rules of engagement to allow British ships to follow the vessel more closely.
The Russian embassy responded by accusing the British Government of "Russophobia" and "whipping up militaristic hysteria", describing the Yantar as an oceanographic research vessel operating in international waters.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said Russia had "failed in its military objectives" and was seeking to escalate tensions. She insisted the UK would remain "vigilant and determined" in its response.
