A Russian spy vessel has been accused of a highly dangerous and reckless act after it targeted Royal Air Force pilots with lasers in waters north of Scotland, prompting a stark warning from the UK government.
A Defiant Warning to Moscow
Defence Minister Al Carns delivered a defiant message to the House of Commons, stating that the UK will not be deterred by the actions of the Russian ship Yantar. He confirmed that the incident, which occurred within the past fortnight, saw the vessel point lasers at RAF surveillance aircraft that were monitoring its activities.
While no personnel were injured, Mr Carns condemned the move as a deliberate attempt to disrupt vital surveillance operations. He issued a direct warning to Moscow, stating that any attempt to disrupt or damage underwater infrastructure would be met with the firmest of responses from the UK and its allies.
A Threat to Economics and National Life
The minister elaborated on the broader threat, describing the Yantar as part of a fleet that threatens the UK's critical national underwater infrastructure. This, he warned, poses a direct danger to the nation's economics and way of life.
The Ministry of Defence has identified the ship as belonging to Russia's Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research, a programme designed for surveillance in peacetime and sabotage capabilities in conflict. This was the Yantar's second incursion into UK waters this year.
Political Condemnation and Military Readiness
The incident has drawn cross-party concern. James Cartlidge, the shadow defence secretary, labelled it a serious escalation by Russian forces in close proximity to the UK homeland.
In response, Defence Secretary John Healey revealed that the Royal Navy's rules of engagement have been altered to allow for closer monitoring of the Yantar. He assured MPs that military options are ready should the ship change course and head south towards more critical areas.
The laser attack emerged alongside a damning report from the Commons defence committee, which warned that Britain is not fully prepared to defend itself from a major attack or meet its Nato obligations in the wake of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
