Overview
- Defence sources disclosed that a Russian submarine accompanied the Yantar as it surveyed the UK‑Ireland gas connector in November 2024.
- The Ministry of Defence released a declassified image showing a Royal Navy submarine and a Merlin Mk2 anti‑submarine helicopter confronting the Russian vessel.
- Defence Secretary John Healey authorised a British attack submarine to surface near Yantar to signal covert monitoring, and divers later inspected exposed sections of the pipeline.
- Senior military leaders report about a 30% increase in Russian naval activity near UK waters, warning about GUGI assets capable of tampering with seabed cables and pipelines.
- Officials point to expanded sanctions, intensified patrols with NATO partners, and the Atlantic Bastion programme integrating autonomous systems and sensors to protect critical undersea infrastructure.