- WIADOMOŚCI
Russian submarines in British waters
Three Russian submarines were detected in British waters. They posed a threat to undersea cables and pipelines.
The incident was reported by UK Defence Secretary John Healey. “While many people’s attention has been focused on the Middle East, the United Kingdom – together with Norway and other allies – has responded to the increase in Russian activity in the North Atlantic. (…) Our armed forces have made it clear to them that they are being monitored (…) and that their attempt at a covert operation has been thwarted.”
A Shchuka-class (Akula-class) submarine and two submersible units belonging to the Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research of the Russian Ministry of Defense (GUGI) were identified near undersea cables. Right now, there is no information indicating any damage caused by the vessels. It is suggested that the Russian actions are directly linked to the war in Iran and the West’s focus on that conflict. Nevertheless, the Russian operation was detected.
Norway was among the parties involved in detecting and tracking the Russian submarines. Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik confirmed the use of, among others, P-8 maritime patrol aircraft and surface vessels. The British side deployed a Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans, the fleet tanker RFATidespring, and anti-submarine Merlin helicopters.
