UK says Russia ran submarine operation over cables and pipelines

UK Says Russia Ran Submarine Operation Over Cables and Pipelines

UK Reports Russian Submarines Targeting Undersea Infrastructure

Defence Secretary John Healey disclosed that three Russian submarines carried out a covert mission near the UK’s northern waters, focusing on undersea cables and pipelines. British naval and aerial forces were deployed to monitor the activity, which he described as “malign.” He emphasized that there was “no evidence” of damage to the UK’s infrastructure in the Atlantic.

Russian Submarine Activity and Military Response

In a direct address to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Healey stated:

“We see you. We see your activity over our cables and our pipelines, and you should know that any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences.”

The operation involved an Akula-class submarine, deployed as a distraction, while two Gugi submarines conducted surveillance. The first Akula left UK waters and returned to Russia, but the two Gugi vessels stayed.

UK’s Dependence on Critical Infrastructure

The UK’s data and energy rely heavily on its undersea cables and pipelines. Approximately 60 cables, landing at points along the East Anglia and South West England coasts, handle over 90% of daily internet traffic. Additionally, a network of underwater gas pipelines in the North Sea links the UK and Norwegian Continental Shelves, with the Langeled pipeline being a key route. Around 77% of the UK’s gas imports come from Norway via these submerged lines.

Covert Operations and International Collaboration

Royal Navy forces, including the Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans, RFA Tidespring, and Merlin helicopters, tracked all three Russian submarines. Other nations, though not named, were involved in monitoring the activity. Healey noted that the UK’s military demonstrated to Russia that its movements were under observation, with sonar buoys deployed to signal constant surveillance.

Hybrid Warfare and Strategic Context

BBC InDepth previously uncovered that Russia engaged in “hybrid warfare” against the UK and Western Europe in 2025, aiming to deter continued military support for Ukraine. Hybrid warfare involves anonymous, deniable attacks in suspicious conditions without escalating to full-scale war. The Russian embassy has stated it was “not interested in British underwater communications,” yet the latest incident suggests otherwise.

Confidence in Tracking Future Threats

Healey asserted that Russia remains a “primary threat” to UK security but expressed confidence in the country’s ability to detect and counter future covert operations. “We watched them, we were able to track them, and we dropped sonar buoys to demonstrate that we were monitoring every hour of their operation,” he added, underscoring the UK’s vigilance against Moscow’s potential actions.