UK increases undersea cable protection after monitoring Russian spy ship

The UK has increased its efforts to safeguard undersea infrastructure, including power cables and telecom links, after monitoring a Russian spy ship in the English Channel.

The vessel, Yantar, which is used by Russia for intelligence and mapping of critical undersea assets, entered British waters on January 20.

The Royal Navy tracked the ship for two days before it moved into Dutch waters.

Defence Minister John Healey confirmed the monitoring of Yantar and emphasized the UK's commitment to robust action against secret operations by Russian ships and aircraft, per Caliber.Az.

The UK is particularly focused on protecting undersea cables, which have been vulnerable to sabotage in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"We will not shy away from robust action to protect Britain," Healey stated. He added that the UK is ramping up its response to prevent Russian vessels from operating unnoticed near UK or NATO territory.

In addition to strengthening its response, the UK will deploy maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft to support NATO in protecting cables in the Baltic Sea. Healey also announced the introduction of an advanced AI system to safeguard critical undersea infrastructure.

Yantar was previously observed loitering near undersea cables in British waters in November. In response to its activities, the UK has adjusted its engagement rules, allowing the Royal Navy to get closer and better monitor the ship. A Royal Navy submarine was also deployed as a deterrent.

Concerns over the security of undersea cables have grown following several unexplained incidents, including three instances of cable damage in the past 18 months in the Baltic Sea. The most recent case involved an oil tanker dragging its anchor over a power cable between Finland and Estonia, although the responsibility remains unclear. Healey noted that "many analysts believe this was caused by a vessel in Russia’s shadow fleet."

Undersea cables are critical to the functioning of nations, making them vulnerable to disruption. While there are enough backups to prevent a complete breakdown from severed cables, experts warn that simultaneous attacks on multiple cables could have severe consequences.

Despite the UK's ongoing diplomatic efforts, it has been clear about identifying and calling out Russian espionage activities. The Yantar, although officially an oceanographic research vessel, is operated by the Russian Ministry of Defence and is part of Russia's Main Directorate Deep-Sea Research, signalling its espionage capabilities.

By Tamilla Hasanova