As part of recent statements by the UK Secretary of Defence, John Healey, to the House of Commons of the British Parliament, the deployment of a Royal Navy nuclear submarine to conduct surveillance and deterrence operations against the Russian Navy vessel Yantar has been confirmed. According to the information provided on that occasion, the deployment took place in November 2024, while the mentioned Russian ship was loitering around critical underwater infrastructure within the United Kingdom’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Secretary Healey’s remarks come amid a new approach by the Yantar to British waters this January, prompting the deployment of the Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset and the patrol vessel HMS Tyne, which tracked the ship through the English Channel and into the North Sea. For the British government, this represents an increase in espionage activities by Russia: “Let me be clear, this is a Russian spy ship used to gather intelligence and map the UK’s critical underwater infrastructure,” stated Healey.
In his brief statement, limited by operational security reasons, the UK Secretary of Defence confirmed that the submarine in question maintained constant surveillance of the Yantar, eventually surfacing near the vessel to make its presence known to the Russian crew, after which the latter departed the EEZ heading towards the Mediterranean. In both the November and the recent January incidents, the Yantar reportedly remained within international waters.

Regarding these Russian movements, Secretary Healey declared: “And I also want President Putin to hear this message: we see you. We know what you are doing. And we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country. And with our NATO allies, we are strengthening our response to ensure that Russian ships and aircraft cannot operate in secrecy near the UK or near NATO territory. ”
Finally, addressing another relevant aspect of the recent statements made in the British Parliament, it is worth noting that the United Kingdom is also planning a new deployment of assets to the Baltic Sea to enhance maritime surveillance with a focus on Russia. In this regard, the deployment of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and an RC-135 Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft, both belonging to the Royal Air Force, has been confirmed. These aircraft will join NATO’s Baltic Sentry operation.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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