The Russian Navy’s recent interception of the Russian spy ship Yantar in the English Channel marks the latest development in a series of incidents highlighting the growing threat of hybrid warfare at sea.
The Royal Navy confirmed this week that HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne had tracked Yantar through the Channel. Somerset’s commanding officer, Commander Matthew Teare, said such operations were “routine business for HMS Somerset’s ship’s company and the Royal Navy” but that “work is vital to the security of the UK”. ” remains the same.
Merlin helicopters from 814 Naval Air Squadron supported the operation and secretly followed Yantar. Interceptions began south of France’s Ushant Traffic Aspeatration Scheme, with Somerset shadowing the ship through the Channel and the Straits of Dover.
“Data cables, oil and gas pipelines, wind power cables running under the ocean, it’s hard to overstate the wealth and well-being of our island nation.”
Russia has dismissed threats to its underwater infrastructure as unfounded.
“Claims by @DefenceHQ (X-handle for the UK Ministry of Defence) regarding alleged Russian threats to the underwater infrastructure of the UK and its NATO allies are completely unfounded,” the Russian Embassy in the UK said on Friday. “Russia has never posed such a threat.”
This latest encounter follows an incident in November when Yantar spotted a lo-no-demolition bomb near critical undersea infrastructure in British waters. Yantar retreated into the Mediterranean after a Royal Navy submarine surfaced nearby as a warning signal.
“We are proud to help protect these vast networks that are often out of our line of sight and of critical importance to our nation and allies,” said Commander Floyer.
These events reflect a broader pattern of threats to subsea infrastructure. In December 2024, both the Estlink 2 power cable and four communication lines connecting Finland and Estonia were damaged. Finnish authorities tracked the damage caused by a suspected anchorage incident involving vessels from the Shadow Fleet evading Russian sanctions.
In November, two submarine cables were severed. Lithuania Sweden’s Gotlandlink and Helsinki Kilostok connection. Authorities are investigating the Chinese vessel Yi Peng 3 in connection with the incident.
Previously, in October 2023, the Baltic Connector gas pipeline and telecommunications cable between Finland and Estonia was damaged by the Chinese ship New New Polar Bear. In September 2022, Nord Stream 1 and two pipelines were damaged by a suspicious explosion near Bornholm. The Swedish investigation confirmed sabotage but did not identify those responsible.
The UK and its NATO allies face an unprecedented maritime security challenge as suspicious incidents target critical infrastructure under the sea.
Robust NATO response
The UK has increased protection of its undersea infrastructure. Secretary of Defense John Healey issued a direct warning to Russia. “My message to President Putin is clear: we know what you are doing and we will not shy away from robust action to protect the UK.”He said: “National security is the first mandate of our government and the foundation of any plan for change.”
The UK has deployed a sophisticated surveillance system that includes Nordic observers. It is an AI-assisted platform that assesses risks to undersea assets and alerts NATO allies to potential threats. Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s RFA Proteus, equipped with potential drones, will enhance these protection measures.
Earlier this month, NATO launched a major maritime security operation called “Baltic Sentry.” This will involve the deployment of a number of assets, including frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, and a new fleet of naval drones. Through the Baltic Sentry initiative, the UK expanded its role by deploying joint P-8 Poseidon and Rivet aircraft to enhance surveillance of the Baltic Sea.
Hybrid warfare: a new battlefield
Russia’s maritime activities exemplify an evolving hybrid strategy to use attacks on undersea infrastructure to destabilize economies and compromise critical systems. As Commander Teare pointed out, these operations may be routine, but their meaning is significant. “This work is vital to the security of the UK.”
Secretary of Defense Healey asserted that he “continued to call out malign activity directed by Putin and cracked down on Russia’s Shadow Fleet to prevent funding for the illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
In an era of blurred lines between military and economic warfare, the Royal Navy and its NATO partners maintain an unwavering commitment to protecting undersea infrastructure.
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