The Defence Forces "are aware of how a known Russian ship is currently tracking" and Minister for Defence Helen McEntee has been briefed about the spy ship that earlier directed lasers at RAF pilots north of Scotland, according to a Government spokesperson.

Nov. 19 (UPI) -- An alleged Russian spyship near British waters deployed lasers in order to impede Royal Air Force pilots attempting to monitor the ship, British Defense Secretary John Healey said.

LONDON: The UK government warned the Kremlin on Wednesday after saying a Russian military ship had entered British waters and directed lasers at UK pilots.Defence Secretary John Healey told...

Defence Secretary John Healey says the UK has "military options ready" if Russian spy ship the Yantar sails closer to British shores.

The U.K. confirmed it is shadowing Russia’s spy vessel Yantar with allied forces, signaling readiness to counter any potential threat near British waters.

Britain warned Russia on Wednesday that it was ready to deal with any incursion into its territory after the spy ship Yantar was detected on the edge of U.K. waters north of Scotland. Defense Secretary John Healey said the Russian vessel had directed lasers at pilots of surveillance aircraft monitoring its activities. The Russian embassy in a statement accused the British government of being “Russophobic” and “whipping up militaristic hysteria," adding that Moscow has no interest in undermining the U.K.’s security.

John Healey also confirmed he has provided British pilots with more robust guidance to counter such threats following a dramatic showdown in the North Sea.

John Healey said Yantar’s actions were “deeply dangerous” and military options were ready if the vessel changed course.

The Journal has learned that Irish authorities were also warned that the suspicious ship may make its way into Irish controlled waters in recent weeks.

Russian spy ship Yantar's attempt to dazzle UK aircrew has led the Defence Secretary to order a different type of response by the Royal Navy

Britain has warned Russia it is ready to handle any incursions into its territory.