Three Russian submarines tracked by UK authorities in covert operation

British Defence Minister John Healey revealed details of a covert month-long operation involving British warships and military aircraft in the High North maritime region. The operation aimed to track and deter Russian submarines, which were detected in UK waters.

Healey stated that during the operation, no evidence was found to suggest that Russian vessels had damaged undersea infrastructure. However, he emphasized that the operation’s primary goal was not to gather intelligence on potential damage but rather to “call out” Russian activity and send a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The British Defence Ministry confirmed that London and its allies had tracked an Akula-class Russian nuclear-powered attack submarine and two specialist submarines from Russia’s Main Directorate of Deep Sea Research (GUGI). GUGI is considered one of Moscow’s most secret facilities, responsible for monitoring the ocean and conducting atomic-powered deep-water mini spy-subs.

Healey explained that the Russian attack submarine was likely used as a decoy to distract from the two specialist vessels. These vessels are designed to survey underwater infrastructure during peacetime and sabotage it in conflict. They spent time over critical infrastructure relevant to the UK and its allies in the North Atlantic.

The British government has expressed concerns about threats to undersea cables, which connect approximately 99 percent of global internet traffic. The UK has 60 cables near its waters. Russia has denied targeting undersea cables, but the incident highlights ongoing tensions between the two nations.

Source: Al Jazeera