Overview
- The Russian vessel Yantar is positioned at the edge of UK waters north of Scotland after recent passages through the country’s wider maritime zone.
- HMS Somerset and RAF P-8 Poseidon aircraft are shadowing the ship under adjusted rules that permit closer monitoring.
- Defence Secretary John Healey said the vessel directed lasers at RAF aircrew during surveillance, describing a dangerous escalation and the first such use reported in these incidents.
- London issued a public warning to Moscow, saying “we see you,” and indicated forces are ready if the ship moves south, with unspecified military options held in reserve.
- UK officials say the GUGI-operated ship is equipped to gather intelligence and map or threaten undersea cables, and they note this is the second UK encounter with Yantar in 2025.