The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that a Russian intelligence-gathering vessel has been operating close to the UK, after entering the country’s wider waters in recent weeks.
In a statement, the Ministry said that “a Russian spy ship – the Yantar – is on the edge of UK waters, north of Scotland, having entered the UK’s wider waters over the last few weeks.”
The Yantar is described as a vessel used for covert intelligence collection and for “gathering intelligence and mapping undersea cables, dragging sensors behind it.”
In response to its presence, the Royal Navy deployed the frigate HMS Somerset, while the Royal Air Force sent P-8 maritime patrol aircraft to monitor the ship’s movements. During that operation, the Ministry reported that the Yantar “directed light lasers at our pilots.”
According to the MoD, this is the second time this year the vessel has approached UK waters, and it is “one of many Russian vessels designed to threaten our Critical Underwater Infrastructure.”
The statement concluded with a direct message: “To Russia: We see you. We know what you are doing. And if Yantar travels South this week, our Forces are ready to act.”