The Defence Secretary John Healey has sent a warning to Vladimir Putin there will be “robust action” as a Russian spy ship enters British waters.
The Russian spy ship called Yantar is used to map vital underwater infrastructure and gathers critical intelligence.
Healey told MPs in the house of Commons that the Russia ship “passed through British waters” on Monday.
The Defence Secretary told MPs, “The foreign ship Yantar is currently in the North Sea having passed through British waters. Let me be clear, this is a Russian spy ship used for gathering intelligence and mapping the UK’s critical underwater infrastructure.
“Yantar entered the UK exclusive economic zone about 45 miles off the British coast on Monday. For the last two days the Royal Navy has deployed HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne to monitor the vessel every minute through our waters.
“AI changed the Royal Navy’s rules of engagement so that our warships can get closer and better track the Yantar. So far, the ship has complied with international rules of navigation.”
Healey said that this is an example of “growing Russian aggression” which is the largest threat to the UK and this is the second time a Russian spy ship has travelled through British waters.
He told MPs, “It was detected loitering over UK critical undersea infrastructure. To deter any potential threat, I took measured steps then as part of a clear direct response to the Russian vessel.
“RAF maritime patrol aircraft alongside HMS Cattistock, HMS Tyne and RFA Proteus were deployed to shadow Yantar’s every movement.
“Today, I also wanted to confirm to the House that I authorised a Royal Navy submarine, strictly as a deterrent measure, to surface close to Yantar to make clear that we had been covertly monitoring its every move.
“The ship then left UK waters without further loitering and sailed down to the Mediterranean.”
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