Arabic version: وزير الدفاع البريطاني يكشف عن عمليات مراقبة الغواصات الروسية
According to BBC News,
Three Russian submarines conducted a “covert” operation over cables and pipelines in waters north of the UK, Defence Secretary John Healey said. A British warship and aircraft were deployed to deter the “malign” activity by Moscow, with Healey stating there was “no evidence” of damage to UK infrastructure in the Atlantic.
Healey addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin directly, emphasizing that any attempt to damage the UK’s undersea cables and pipelines would not be tolerated and would have serious consequences. The UK is dependent on its undersea cables and pipelines for its data and energy, with around 60 undersea cables connecting the country to global networks.
During a Downing Street press conference, Healey detailed that Russia had sent an Akula class submarine as a diversion while two of its GUGI spy submarines conducted surveillance. The Royal Navy deployed a Type 23 frigate, HMS St Albans, along with RFA Tidespring and Merlin helicopters to track all three of the Russian submarines. Other nations were involved in tracking this activity, with Norway mentioned by name.
Healey asserted that the UK’s armed forces left Russia in no doubt that they were being monitored and highlighted the ongoing threat posed by Moscow. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting British interests from Russian aggression, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized the state of the Royal Navy’s operational capabilities.
Experts noted that the Russian military’s GUGI unit operates complex submarines designed to avoid detection. Despite the monitoring, it is likely that the Russian submarines managed to gather data on the UK’s undersea cable network. The UK also relies on a network of underwater gas pipelines, primarily from Norway, for its energy needs. The situation underscores the importance of vigilance regarding critical infrastructure in the face of hybrid warfare tactics employed by hostile states.
