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Russian Spy Ship Deploys Lasers Against RAF Pilots in UK Waters
British Defence Secretary John Healey revealed on Wednesday that a Russian intelligence vessel, the Yantar, used lasers to interfere with Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots monitoring its movements near UK waters-a tactic he condemned as "deeply dangerous."
The incident occurred within the past two weeks while the Yantar was under surveillance by a Royal Navy frigate and RAF Poseidon P-8 aircraft north of Scotland, Healey told reporters in Downing Street. The vessel, operated by Russia's Main Directorate for Deep Sea Research (GUGI), has entered UK waters twice this year, he added.
Government Response and Military Readiness
Healey emphasized that the UK was treating the laser deployment "extremely seriously" and had adjusted the Royal Navy's rules of engagement to allow closer tracking of the Yantar in British waters. "My message to Russia and to Putin is this: we see you. We know what you're doing," he stated, warning that the UK had "military options ready" if the ship altered its course southward.
The defence secretary declined to specify the prepared measures, stating that disclosure would only "make President Putin wiser." He described the Yantar, commissioned in 2015, as a dual-purpose vessel designed for "surveillance in peacetime and sabotage in conflict."
"Anything that impedes, disrupts, or puts at risk pilots in charge of British military planes is deeply dangerous."
John Healey, UK Defence Secretary
Expert Analysis: A Provocative Escalation
Elisabeth Braw, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, called the laser use "an escalation" intended to hinder RAF operations. "We don't know exactly how strong the lasers were, but even if they didn't blind the pilots, it was provocative," she told BBC Radio 4's World At One. Western intelligence agencies have long suspected the Yantar of mapping undersea cables critical to global internet infrastructure-a concern shared by NATO allies.
Russia classifies the Yantar as an oceanographic research vessel, though its activities have drawn scrutiny across European waters. The UK and NATO have repeatedly warned about Russian threats to subsea cables, pipelines, and other strategic infrastructure.
Broader Security Warnings and Defence Criticisms
Healey's remarks extended beyond the Yantar incident, highlighting broader geopolitical risks, including Russian incursions into NATO airspace and rising tensions with China. "Our world is changing. It is less predictable. It is more dangerous," he cautioned.
His comments followed criticism from a committee of MPs accusing the Ministry of Defence of over-reliance on US military support and insufficient preparedness to defend UK territories independently. While Healey dismissed concerns about US commitment to NATO, he acknowledged the need to "pick up the pace" of Britain's defence investments-a priority since Labour took office in 2024.
UK-EU Defence Collaboration Stalls Over Funding
Meanwhile, the UK is racing to finalize a defence agreement with the EU to allow British firms to participate in a €150 billion (£130 billion) EU defence loan program launching in 2026. Negotiations have hit a snag over the UK's potential entry fee, with reports suggesting Brussels is demanding billions of euros for access.
Healey insisted any financial contribution must deliver "good value for money for our taxpayers and our industry," adding that the UK sought inclusion "but not at any price." The deadline for the first round of EU project bids is later this month.
