Russian spy ship fires lasers at RAF pilots near UK waters. London warns Moscow: “We see you, Putin.”

The UK has issued a sharp warning to the Kremlin after confirming that the Russian spy ship Yantar used military-grade lasers to disrupt RAF pilots monitoring its movements near British waters — an act officials call a dangerous escalation.

The announcement was made by Defence Secretary John Healey in a press briefing at Downing Street.

A direct threat to pilots

Healey said the incident occurred within the last two weeks, as RAF Poseidon P-8 aircraft and a Royal Navy frigate tracked the Yantar north of Scotland. The ship had entered UK waters twice this year.

“My message to Russia, to Putin, is simple: We see you. We know what you're doing. And if Yantar travels south this week, we are ready,” Healey said.

He confirmed he had changed the Royal Navy’s rules of engagement to allow closer pursuit of the vessel.

Yantar: the mysterious deep-sea operations ship

Although Moscow describes Yantar as an “oceanic research vessel,” Western militaries say it is part of Russia’s GUGI — the Main Directorate for Deep Sea Research — tasked with:

• submarine surveillance,

• electronic interception,

• mapping or sabotaging undersea cables.

The ship has not broadcast its AIS location since 2 November. Earlier this month, Dutch naval forces escorted it out of the North Sea.

Why lasers matter

Healey called the laser targeting “deeply dangerous,” as even non-lethal lasers can:

• impair vision,

• damage instruments,

• endanger flight operations.

Security analyst Elisabeth Braw said the incident was “definitely an escalation,” adding that even low-power lasers are meant to impede pilots’ ability to carry out reconnaissance.

A growing threat to undersea infrastructure

Western intelligence agencies fear that Russia is preparing or rehearsing sabotage operations targeting:

• internet cables,

• energy pipelines,

• transatlantic communications lines.

Attacks on these systems could cripple financial markets and military networks.

NATO on alert as tensions rise

Healey warned that the world is becoming “less predictable and more dangerous,” citing:

• repeated Russian incursions into NATO airspace,

• China’s aggressive posture,

• global conflicts destabilizing regions.

At the same time, a UK parliamentary committee criticized the Ministry of Defence for over-reliance on US resources, urging Britain to build more independent capabilities in case Washington shifts away from European defense commitments.

UK-EU defence negotiations intensify

The Labour government is negotiating with the EU to join the €150bn defence investment scheme launching next year. Britain wants access for its arms industry — but refuses to pay what it calls an “unreasonable entry fee.”

As tensions with Russia escalate, London aims to secure both strategic autonomy and strong industrial support.