British defense authorities have reported a Russian spy ship located near the borders of British territorial waters. Defense Secretary John Healey mentioned that the Yantar has now entered these waters for the second time.
During a recent news conference, Healey explained that the Yantar is designed for information gathering and mapping submarine cables. He noted that Royal Navy frigates and Royal Air Force aircraft have been dispatched to monitor its movements closely, adding that the spy ship’s crew even directed a laser at one of their pilots.
Healey also issued a warning directed at Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, “We see you and we know what you are doing. If the Yantar moves south this week, we will be prepared.”
In an effort to bolster defense capabilities, Britain is planning to construct several factories aimed at producing munitions and military explosives, with the first of these projects set to commence in the coming year.
Healey’s caution follows findings from a Commons defense committee report, which pointed out that the UK currently lacks a comprehensive plan to safeguard both its homeland and overseas territories. The report urged the government to enhance public communication regarding the levels of threat the country faces.
It’s important to note that the Yantar is more than just a naval asset; it belongs to the Moscow Main Directorate of Deep Sea Research (GUGI), which focuses on surveillance during peacetime and covert operations during conflict.
“That’s why we’ve been so committed to tracking and intercepting Yantar whenever it approaches UK waters, signaling to Putin that we are ready to respond, all while collaborating with our allies,” Healey added.
