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Russian submarines tracked near UK infrastructure
Britain detected three Russian submarines conducting surveillance near critical undersea cables and pipelines in the Atlantic, Defence Secretary John Healey revealed on Thursday. While no damage was reported, the UK deployed naval assets to counter what officials described as "malign" activity by Moscow.
Diversionary tactics and surveillance
Healey stated that Russia employed an Akula-class submarine as a diversion while two specialized GUGI spy submarines focused on mapping UK undersea infrastructure. The Akula vessel departed after initial detection, but the spy submarines remained under close watch.
The Royal Navy responded by dispatching the Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans, the support ship RFA Tidespring, and Merlin helicopters to track the submarines. Sonar buoys were deployed to demonstrate continuous monitoring, Healey added.
International coordination and warnings
Norway assisted in tracking the Russian vessels, though Healey did not disclose other participating nations. Addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin directly, he warned: "We see you. We see your activity over our cables and our pipelines, and you should know that any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated."
Healey emphasized that Russia's actions posed the "primary threat to UK security," exploiting global distractions such as the Middle East conflict. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed this stance, vowing to expose and counter Russian destabilization efforts.
Critical infrastructure at risk
The UK relies heavily on undersea cables, with over 90% of daily internet traffic transmitted through approximately 60 cables landing along its coastline. Additionally, gas pipelines in the North Sea supply 77% of the UK's gas imports, including the 1,166 km Langeled pipeline from Norway.
Undersea infrastructure spans 1.4 million km globally, making it a strategic target for hybrid warfare-covert, deniable attacks by hostile states. A 2025 BBC investigation revealed Russia's campaign of hybrid warfare against Western nations supporting Ukraine.
Debate over UK naval readiness
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized the Royal Navy's operational capacity, citing recent reports of Russian oil tankers escorted through the English Channel. Retired Royal Navy officer John Foreman warned of a "nadir of maritime security," highlighting the decommissioning of two tankers, RFA Wave Knight and RFA Wave Ruler.
"We're well aware of the Russian threat. The question is whether we're doing something about it."
John Foreman, former UK defence attaché
A former defence attaché in Moscow described the UK's rhetoric as "tired," while the Russian embassy previously denied interest in British underwater communications.
