Over the past two weeks, the UK warned it had military options ready after a Russian submarine disrupted Royal Navy and RAF operations north of Scotland.
First Recorded Incident
This is the first time a Russian vessel has been reported to interfere with British naval and air forces. The submarine, named Jantar, was being tracked by a Royal Navy frigate and Royal Air Force aircraft when it unexpectedly blinded pilots with a laser.
UK Defence Minister John Healey described the act as “deeply dangerous” and said it was taken very seriously. He warned that if Jantar changes course toward the south this week, the UK is prepared to respond.
UK Prepares Military Options
Healey clarified that Jantar belongs to Russia’s Main Directorate for Deep-Sea Research (GUGI), a unit tasked with observation during peace and sabotage during conflict.
He added that the UK’s military options are ready, but they will not be disclosed to avoid giving President Putin strategic advantage.
Russian Embassy Calls UK Hysteria
The Russian embassy issued a statement dismissing the incident, claiming Moscow is “not interested in British submarine communication systems.” It said Russian actions do not threaten UK security and accuses London of “increasing militaristic hysteria” that undermines European safety.
Russian officials urged the UK to refrain from “destructive steps” that could worsen the European crisis. In response, Matt Western, head of the National Security Strategy Team, said the Russian stance poses a real and direct threat to UK security and called for a more forceful reaction.
