A recently declassified photograph reveals a British submarine engaging with the Russian intelligence-gathering ship Yantar.
Defence Secretary John Healey disclosed in November that the Yantar had targeted RAF pilots with lasers and was operating near UK waters. He strongly criticized Russia for its “extremely risky behavior” and highlighted the ship’s role in intelligence collection and undersea cable mapping.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) released an image on Sunday showing a Royal Navy submarine and helicopter confronting the Russian vessel. During the incident in November 2024, RAF maritime patrol aircraft, along with HMS Cattistock, HMS Tyne, and RFA Proteus, were mobilized to monitor the Yantar’s movements.
In a briefing to MPs in January, Mr. Healey mentioned that he had authorized a Royal Navy submarine to surface near the Yantar as a precautionary measure to demonstrate surveillance. The Defence Secretary emphasized that the intention was to signal that the Yantar was under observation at all times.
He informed MPs, “Subsequently, the ship departed UK waters promptly without lingering and proceeded towards the Mediterranean.”
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence stated, “As expressed by the Defence Secretary, our message to President Putin is unequivocal: We are vigilant, aware of your actions, and prepared to take decisive measures to safeguard our nation.”
They further commented, “We recognize the threats posed by Russia, including efforts by GUGI to survey undersea infrastructure of the UK and our allies, and we are actively addressing these challenges.
“Our approach involves imposing over 900 new sanctions on individuals, entities, and vessels under the Russian regime, monitoring Russian ships in proximity to UK waters, and expediting the advancement and deployment of cutting-edge anti-submarine technology.
“Through the innovative Atlantic Bastion initiative, we are spearheading the transition to modern hybrid navies, integrating autonomous vessels, AI-powered sensors, warships, and aircraft to protect critical undersea assets against emerging threats.”
Mr. Healey emphasized the escalating Russian threat during a press conference in November, labeling the Yantar as a “reminder” of this threat. He reiterated, “We identified the Yantar in our waters earlier this year. It has returned. We are fully aware of its capabilities and activities, which is why I issued that public statement. We have strategies in place, we closely monitored it previously, and we have taken action.
“Our previous actions, including surfacing a nuclear-powered attack submarine near the Yantar, were a potent and unprecedented demonstration of our covert monitoring. The Russian embassy in London accused the government at that time of promoting anti-Russian sentiments and fostering militaristic hysteria.”
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