A Russian submarine accompanied a spy ship as it mapped critical undersea infrastructure in British waters, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has disclosed. Declassified images show the submarine shadowing the Yantar, officially a Russian research vessel, as it surveyed the gas pipeline linking Britain and Ireland in the Irish Sea last November. An anti-submarine Merlin Mk2 helicopter and a British submarine were also present.
The incident is believed to be one of several where Russian submarines have escorted the Yantar near the British Isles, according to The Sunday Times. First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins earlier this month reported a 30% increase in Russian incursions in UK waters over the past two years, warning that activity beneath the waves is of greatest concern.
Sir Gwyn highlighted Russia's renewed investment in its elite deep-sea submarine division, Gugi, which was sanctioned by the UK in June. The MoD stated: “We are acutely aware of the threat posed by Russia, which includes attempts to map undersea cables, networks, and pipelines belonging to both the UK and our allies, and we are tackling these threats head on.”
The government’s Atlantic Bastion programme, integrating autonomous vessels, AI-enabled sensors, warships, and aircraft, aims to safeguard critical undersea infrastructure for the UK and NATO. The UK has also introduced 900 new sanctions against Russian entities and committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027.
