A Royal Navy submarine surfaced just yards from a Russian spy ship in a dramatic show of force to protect British waters.
The nuclear-powered HMS Astute emerged from the depths after the Kremlin's 'shadow fleet' ship was caught close to British submarine cables.
Defense Secretary John Healey first disclosed the incident today, warning “we see you, we know what you are doing” in comments addressed to Vladimir Putin.
He told the House of Commons that the Yantar, a purpose-built spy ship, was being used to gather intelligence and study this country's underwater communications infrastructure.
The standoff between the “hunter killer” submarine and the Russian surveillance ship came as Donald Trump told Vladimir Putin to stop “this ridiculous war” in Ukraine, threatening him with sanctions and tariffs.
Mr Healey said: 'Today I would like to confirm that I have authorized a Royal Navy submarine – strictly as a deterrent measure – to surface close to Yantar to make it clear that we were covertly watching its every move held.
'As colleagues will understand, due to operational security I will not be commenting further. But I would like to thank all the staff involved for their efforts and professionalism.
“I also want President Putin to hear this message: we see you, we know what you are doing, and we will not shy away from taking strong action.
This image shows where a Royal Navy submarine surfaced just yards from a Russian spy ship in a show of force to protect British waters
Defense Secretary John Healey (pictured) revealed the incident for the first time today, warning in comments addressed to Vladimir Putin 'we see you, we know what you are doing'
HMS Somerset flanks the Russian ship Yantar near British waters. The Yantar captured on Monday was close to underwater cables
“This is yet another example of Russia's growing aggression, targeting our allies abroad and us at home.”
The incident involving HMS Astute and Yantar took place in November but only came to light for the first time today.
It is believed to have taken place near Widemouth Bay on the north coast of Cornwall. An RAF maritime patrol aircraft, alongside HMS Cattistock, HMS Tyne and RFA Proteus, followed her every move.
The Yantar crew eventually complied with a “polite” warning from the submarine's crew – which included the phrase “good morning” – and set sail for the Mediterranean.
The Mail understands that a second Royal Navy submarine then secretly followed the Yantar on that journey south.
But the Kremlin spy ship returned to British waters earlier this week, raising further concerns about this country's maritime security and transatlantic seabed cables.
She entered the United Kingdom's exclusive economic zone on Monday and was followed by the warships HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne.
Mr Healey told the House of Commons that he had changed the Royal Navy's Rules of Engagement to allow warships to get closer to her. She then entered Dutch waters.
A Royal Navy ship with the Russian Yantar in November 2024. The Mail understands that Yantar may have mapped the Cornish coastline. A large number of transatlantic cables come ashore in Widemouth Bay, a popular spot for swimmers and surfers
Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spy ship raises further concerns about this country's maritime security and transatlantic seabed cables
Speaking about this week's incident, HMS Somerset's Commander, Commander Matthew Teare, said: 'The Royal Navy is always there when the nation needs it, protecting our home and the waters around it.
'This is routine work for the ship's company of HMS Somerset and the Royal Navy, but it is nevertheless essential work for British security and I am proud of the professionalism of my crew.'
Somerset stealthily launched her Merlin helicopter, which used its powerful sensors to locate the Russian ship as it sailed north towards the English Channel.
The Type 23 frigate approached and intercepted Yantar's location at the entrance to the Channel – south of the traffic separation scheme at Ouessant, near France.
The Plymouth-based warship took over monitoring duties from NATO allies after shadowing Yantar in waters close to France.
Somerset used her advanced radars and sensors to report every movement during the operation, while staying within striking distance of Yantar via the Channel and Dover Strait.
In recent months, the 100-meter Yantar has been operating in northern European waters as part of a wave of Russian maritime activity.
The ship was commissioned in 2015 as part of the Russian Navy's top-secret Underwater Research Directorate. She belongs to the Northern Fleet and her home port is Severomorsk.
President Trump with Putin in 2019. The standoff between the 'hunter killer' submarine and the Russian surveillance ship came as Trump told Putin to 'stop this ridiculous war' in Ukraine, and threatened him with sanctions and tariffs
Mr Healey told MPs today: 'Today I would like to confirm that I have authorized a Royal Navy submarine – strictly as a deterrent measure – to surface close to Yantar to make it clear that we are covertly monitoring its every move had been keeping an eye on'
Yantar, with a displacement of 5,736 tons, is equipped with surveillance and interception equipment and can operate underwater drones that can reach the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
Powered by a diesel-electric engine and with a top speed of 15 knots. Yantar has sixty sailors, many of whom are trained in espionage and electronic warfare.
The Mail understands Yantar may have surveyed the Cornish coastline. A large number of transatlantic cables come ashore in Widemouth Bay, a popular spot for swimmers and surfers.
The beach is also six miles from a GCHQ listening station. The facility, known for its giant white satellite dishes, celebrated its 50th year of operation in 2024.
According to official government websites, GCHQ Bude teams are engaged in the full breadth of GCHQ's operational work, but with a key focus on maintaining and managing data collection.
Much of this data and much of this country's Internet traffic flows through the cables, which explains the interest in the Russians.
Britain and its NATO allies are increasingly concerned about the risk Russia poses to offshore cables and pipelines.
Underwater cables on an ocean floor. Britain and its NATO allies are increasingly concerned about the risk Russia poses to offshore cables and pipelines (file image)
Growing fears of Kremlin sabotage prompted a military response today as the Defense Department announced that a P-8 Poseidon and a Rivet Joint spy plane will join NATO's new Baltic Sentry deployment to target critical undersea infrastructure. protect.
Meanwhile, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Proteus has been deployed to monitor offshore infrastructure.
Mr Healey added: 'Russia remains the most urgent and immediate threat to Britain. “I want to reassure the House and the British people that any threat will be met with strength and determination.”
The heads of MI6 and the CIA recently issued a joint statement condemning Russia's “reckless campaign of sabotage” across Europe.
On Christmas Day, the Estlink2 submarine cable between Finland and Estonia was damaged. Many analysts believe this was caused by a Russian 'shadow fleet' ship.
