How Royal Navy submarine successfully drove away Russian 'spy ship'

A Royal Navy submarine surfaced just yards from a Russian spy ship in a dramatic show of force to protect British waters.

The nuclear-powered HMS Astute emerged from the depths after the Kremlin ‘shadow fleet’ vessel was caught close to UK undersea cables.

Defence Secretary John Healey revealed the incident for the first time today and, in remarks directed at Vladimir Putin, warned ‘we see you, we know what you are doing’.

He told the House of Commons that the Yantar - a purpose-built spy vessel - was being used to gather intelligence and study this country’s underwater communications infrastructure.

The standoff between the ‘hunter killer’ submarine and the Russian surveillance ship came as Donald Trump told Vladimir Putin to ‘stop this ridiculous war’ in Ukraine, as well as threatening him with sanctions and tariffs.

Mr Healey said: ‘Today, I want to confirm I authorised a Royal Navy submarine – strictly as a deterrent measure – to surface close to Yantar to make clear we had been covertly monitoring its every move.

‘As colleagues will understand, I won’t comment further for reasons of operational security. But I want to thank all the personnel involved for the dedication and professionalism.

‘I also want President Putin to hear this message: we see you, we know what you are doing, and we will not shy away from robust action.

‘This is yet another example of growing Russian aggression, targeting our allies abroad and us at home.’

The incident involving HMS Astute and the Yantar happened in November, but only emerged for the first time today.

It is understood to have occurred in the vicinity of Widemouth Bay on the north Cornish coastline. An RAF maritime patrol aircraft, alongside HMS Cattistock, HMS Tyne and RFA Proteus, shadowed her every move.

The Yantar’s crew eventually complied with a ‘polite’ warning issued by the submarine’s crew - which included the phrase ‘good morning’ - and headed towards the Mediterranean.

The Mail understands a second Royal Navy submarine may have then secretly followed the Yantar on that jouney south.

But the Kremlin spy ship returned to UK waters earlier this week, raising further concerns about this country’s maritime security and transatlantic seabed cables.

On Monday she entered the UK Exclusive Economic Zone and was tracked by the warships HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne.

Mr Healey told the Commons he amended the Royal Navy’s Rules of Engagement so the warships could get closer to her. She then sailed into Dutch waters.

Speaking about this week’s incident, HMS Somerset’s Commanding Officer, Commander Matthew Teare, said: ‘The Royal Navy is always there when the nation needs, protecting our home and the waters that surround it.

‘This is routine business for HMS Somerset’s ship’s company and the Royal Navy, but it is nonetheless vital work for the UK’s security and I am proud of the professionalism of my crew.’

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Somerset covertly launched her Merlin helicopter, which used its powerful sensors to locate the Russian ship as it made its way north towards the English Channel.

The Type 23 frigate closed in on Yantar’s location and intercepted it in the entrance to the Channel – south of the traffic separation scheme at Ushant, near France.

The Plymouth-based warship took over monitoring duties from NATO allies after they shadowed Yantar in waters close to France.

Somerset used her cutting-edge radars and sensors to report on every move during the operation, as she maintained a close distance to Yantar through the Channel and the Strait of Dover.

In recent months, the 354ft-long Yantar has been operating in northern European waters as part of a surge of Russian maritime activity.

The vessel entered service in 2015 as part of the Russian Navy’s top secret Underwater Research Directorate. She belongs to the Northern fleet and her home port is Severomorsk.

Yantar, which as a displacement of 5,736 tons, has been equipped with surveillance and interception equipment and can operate submersible drones capable of reaching the Atlantic Ocean floor.

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Powered by a diesel-electric engine and with a top speed of 15 knots. Yantar has a complement of 60 sailors - many of them trained in espionage and electronic warfare.

The Mail understands Yantar may have been surveying the Cornish coastline. A large number of transatlantic cables make landfall in Widemouth Bay, a popular spot for swimmers and surfers.

The beach is also six miles from a GCHQ listening station. The facility, known for its giant white satellite dishes, celebrated its 50th year of operation in 2024.

According to official government websites, teams at GCHQ Bude ‘engage in the full breadth of GCHQ’s operational work, but with a key focus on maintaining and managing the collection of data’.

Much of this data, and much of this country’s internet traffic flows through the cables, which explains its interest to the Russians.

The UK and its NATO allies are increasingly concerned about the risk Russia poses to offshore cables and pipelines.

Increasing fears of Kremlin sabotage triggered a military response today as the Ministry of Defence announced a P-8 Poseidon and a Rivet Joint spy planes will join the new Baltic Sentry NATO deployment to protect critical undersea infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Proteus has been deployed to monitor offshore infrastructure.

Mr Healey added: ‘Russia remains the most pressing and immediate threat to Britain. I want to assure the House and the British people that any threat will be met with strength and resolve.’

The heads of MI6 and the CIA recently issued a joint statement condemning Russia’s ‘reckless campaign of sabotage’ across Europe.

On Christmas Day, the Estlink2 undersea cable between Finland and Estonia was damaged. Many analysts believe this was caused by a Russian ‘shadow fleet’ vessel.