Speaking on Thursday, UK Defence Secretary John Healey disclosed that Russian submarines operated for over a month within the broader maritime zone around Britain earlier this year, raising the alarm over potential sabotage missions.
The British government has confirmed deployment of naval warships to counter Russia’s suspected submarine covert operations targeting critical undersea infrastructure, including communication cables and energy pipelines, in waters surrounding the country.
Speaking on Thursday, UK Defence Secretary John Healey disclosed that Russian submarines operated for over a month within the broader maritime zone around Britain earlier this year, raising the alarm over potential sabotage missions.
According to the British government, the vessels were detected in strategic areas across the High North, a region that hosts vital shipping routes and sensitive infrastructure linking Europe’s energy and communications networks.
Officials allege that Moscow attempted to exploit global distraction caused by tensions in the Middle East to carry out the operation undetected, according to Reuters.
Healey said British forces, working alongside allies such as Norway, closely tracked the Russian movements and took steps to deter any hostile action.
He confirmed that the submarines had since withdrawn, adding that no damage was recorded to any underwater installations.
In a direct message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the UK defence chief declared that Britain had fully exposed the operation.
“To President Putin, I say: ‘We see you. We see your activity over our cables and pipelines, and you should know that any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences,’” Healey said.
He added that British forces ensured the Russian vessels were aware they were under constant surveillance, effectively stripping the mission of any secrecy.
British intelligence identified one of the vessels as an advanced Akula-class attack submarine, accompanied by two specialist submersibles linked to Russia’s secretive deep-sea operations unit, known for its capability to map and potentially sabotage underwater infrastructure during conflict.
Following the detection, the UK reportedly deployed a naval frigate, a support tanker, and maritime patrol aircraft to shadow the submarines.
Norwegian forces also joined the operation, contributing surveillance aircraft and naval support to monitor the situation.
While the submarines did not breach UK territorial waters, they operated within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone and nearby allied waters, areas considered strategically sensitive due to dense networks of subsea infrastructure.
Russia’s embassy in London has yet to issue an official response.
However, Moscow has consistently denied involvement in previous incidents involving damaged cables and pipelines across Europe.
The revelation comes amid renewed scrutiny of Britain’s military posture, particularly after criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently mocked the UK’s naval capabilities in the context of rising tensions in the Middle East.
Responding indirectly, Healey defended the UK’s strategic deployment choices, insisting that military resources must be used where they are most effective.
“The greatest threats are often unseen and silent,” he said. “As demands on defence rise, we must deploy our resources to best effect.”
Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, NATO countries have intensified surveillance across the North Atlantic and Baltic regions following multiple disruptions to power cables, telecommunications links, and gas pipelines.
While many incidents have been attributed to accidental damage caused by civilian vessels, Western governments remain wary of potential state-sponsored sabotage targeting critical infrastructure beneath the sea.
