UK Prepares For Russian Attacks On Submarine Infrastructure

• 9.04.2026, 16:42

The armed forces have been deployed.

Britain says it has detected Russian activity in its waters and is taking measures to prevent Russian submarines from attacking cables and pipelines, writes Reuters.

Defense Minister John Gilley said the country had deployed its armed forces to prevent possible attacks on cables and pipelines when Russian submarines were in British waters.

He specified that he was referring to a situation that took place this winter. The minister said that British forces and allies, including Norway, had been monitoring and deterring Russian naval activity.

Gilly said he would publicize the operation "so that Vladimir Putin knows that they have been detected."

He said the submarines had now left British waters and headed north, and there was no sign of damage to underwater infrastructure.

"I say, 'We see you. We see your activity over our cables and pipelines and you should know that any attempt to damage them will have serious consequences,'" Gillie warned.

The British minister stressed that the movements of the Russian vessels were not secret, as Russian dictator Vladimir Putin had planned an attempted covert operation.

He added that the Russian operation included an Akula-class submarine and two specialized submarines from Russia's Main Directorate of Deep Sea Research.