Russian Spy Ship Yantar 'Aimed Lasers' at RAF Pilots in UK Waters, Defence Secretary Warns

British Defence Secretary John Healey said the Russian research vessel Yantar directed light lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew while operating near the northern coast of Scotland. The incident, reported on Nov. 19, prompted the Royal Navy to dispatch a frigate and airborne assets to shadow and monitor the ship closely.

The Ministry of Defence said the aircraft were tracking the vessel when the Yantar "directed light lasers at our pilots," a move Healey described as "deeply dangerous." Officials say the ship is associated with Russia's Main Directorate for Deep Sea Research and is equipped to gather intelligence and map submarine communications cables.

Healey warned that the Yantar's capabilities raise serious concerns because undersea cables carry critical communications and commerce traffic. He said the vessel forms part of a fleet that could "put and hold our undersea infrastructure and those of our allies at risk." He added that the UK and NATO are monitoring the ship's movements and prepared to deter any escalation.

My message to Russia and to Putin is this: we see you. We know what you're doing. And if the Yantar travels south this week, we are ready.

Healey said he had revised Royal Navy engagement rules to allow ships and aircraft to follow the Yantar more closely when it is in UK waters and confirmed that "military options" are available should the situation deteriorate, though he declined to detail operational measures. He first raised concerns about the Yantar earlier this year after it was observed in UK territorial waters in January.

British officials emphasized the safety risk posed by directing lasers at aircrew, calling such actions hazardous to pilots and flight operations. The UK continues to coordinate with NATO and other allies to track, deter and, if necessary, respond to activities that threaten undersea infrastructure and the safety of military personnel.