November 19 Statement
Defence Secretary @JohnHealey_MP this morning confirmed that a Russian spy ship – the Yantar – is on the edge of UK waters, north of Scotland, having entered the UK’s wider waters over the last few weeks.
This is a vessel used for gathering intelligence and mapping undersea cables, dragging sensors behind it. The @RoyalNavy deployed frigate HMS Somerset, and the @RoyalAirForce deployed P-8 aircraft to track the vessel’s every move, during which the Yantar directed light lasers at our pilots.
This is the second time this year that this Russian spy ship has deployed to UK waters. It is one of many Russian vessels designed to threaten our Critical Underwater Infrastructure.
To Russia: We see you. We know what you are doing. And if Yantar travels South this week, our Forces are ready to act.
UK MOD