The UK has successfully deterred three Russian submarines conducting covert operations near vital undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic, according to Defense Secretary John Healey. The operation, which lasted over a month, involved British warships and aircraft monitoring the Russian vessels to prevent any potential damage to cables and pipelines.
Key Takeaways
The UK deployed military assets to deter Russian submarines near undersea cables and pipelines in the North Atlantic. Defense Secretary John Healey stated that three Russian submarines were tracked and monitored for over a month, with no evidence of damage to infrastructure reported.
- Three Russian submarines conducted covert operations near UK undersea infrastructure
- British warship HMS St Albans and aircraft deployed to monitor and deter activity
- No evidence of damage to UK cables or pipelines reported
- Norway collaborated with the UK in tracking Russian submarines
Healey addressed President Vladimir Putin directly during a Downing Street press conference on Thursday, stating that 'We see you. We see your activity over our cables and our pipelines, and you should know that any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences.' The UK is heavily reliant on its undersea cables for data transmission and energy supply.
According to Healey, the Royal Navy deployed a Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans, RFA Tidespring, and Merlin helicopters to track all three Russian submarines. Norway also participated in tracking the Russian activity. The operation was conducted while much of the world's attention was focused on conflicts in the Middle East.
The UK government has previously announced a defense agreement with Norway to protect communication lines in the North Atlantic, forming a joint fleet of anti-submarine warships. This pact is part of a response to a 30% increase in Russian ships' presence in U.K. waters over the last two years.
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