A Russian surveillance ship, the Yantar, has been spotted off the coast of Scotland, close to UK territorial waters.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the vessel turned off its identification system and directed lasers at RAF pilots conducting surveillance.
Healey described the laser use as “deeply dangerous” and confirmed the UK has changed its naval rules of engagement to allow Royal Navy ships to shadow Yantar more closely.
The ship appears to be heading south, potentially into the Irish Sea or along Ireland’s west coast, which would bring it into Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
The Yantar is officially described as a research vessel but is widely believed to have the ability to interfere with undersea cables and infrastructure.
Last year, it took a similar route through the Irish Sea, where it was monitored by Irish naval and air forces. Drones were observed in the area at the time, reportedly linked to the vessel.
The Yantar is believed to carry underwater drones capable of operating near gas pipelines and communication cables.
Healey warned: “We see you. We know what you’re doing. And if the Yantar travels south this week, we are ready.”
He added that the ship is part of a wider Russian programme designed to target critical infrastructure both in peacetime and conflict.
He declined to detail the UK’s military options, saying only that revealing them “would make President Putin wiser”.
The ship’s movement and behaviour have triggered security responses from both UK and Irish authorities. The situation is being monitored closely.
The Irish Times has much more here
