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Submarine Deterrence
The United Kingdom and Norway led a military operation that tracked and deterred three Russian submarines in the North Atlantic.
“The British Army said that a frigate, aircraft, and hundreds of personnel monitored a Russian attack submarine and two spy submarines”
Defense Secretary John Healey announced that a Royal Navy frigate, aircraft, and hundreds of personnel monitored a Russian Akula class attack submarine and two specialist spy submarines.
The operation lasted more than a month, after which the Russian vessels withdrew.
Healey warned Russia that any attempt to damage cables or pipelines would not be tolerated and would have serious consequences.
The operation took place in British waters and the surrounding area, including the exclusive economic zone extending up to 200 nautical miles.
Strategic Infrastructure
The Russian submarines were detected near fiber-optic cables crucial for the functioning of the Internet and international trade.
Healey explained that one submarine distracted attention while the others acted against the fiber-optic cables.
British and Norwegian patrols located them with buoys that detect sound.
There is no evidence any damage was done to U.K. cables and pipelines.
The operation was part of a broader effort to counter Russia's shadow fleet.
Political Context
British officials have sought to keep Russia in the international spotlight despite the Middle East conflict.
“British officials have sought to keep Russia in the international spotlight even as global attention remains focused on the conflict in the Middle East”
Healey said Putin would want us to be distracted by the Middle East, but Russia is the primary threat.
The operation came amid escalating tensions over Russia's use of the English Channel to move sanctioned oil tankers.
Downing Street announced that British armed forces could now intercept and seize ships belonging to Russia's phantom fleet.
Healey said, We are ready to act.