Russian Submarines Were Spotted In British Waters

• 27.08.2026, 11:54

The vessels belong to Russia's Main Directorate for Deep-Sea Research.

Russian specialized submarines conducted surveys of critical underwater infrastructure in and around British waters. This is according to a report by the Congressional Research Service, as reported by UK Defence Journal.

The report notes that in April 2026, the British government disclosed information about Russia’s covert efforts to “wage hybrid warfare against the United Kingdom and its allies,” using specialized submarines to survey critical underwater infrastructure.

Researchers suggest that such surveys by the Russian Federation may be aimed at preparing for future sabotage operations.

It is noted that the vessels involved belong to Russia’s Main Directorate for Deep-Sea Research, known as GUGD. This is a specialized unit of the Russian Armed Forces that reports directly to the Ministry of Defense.

The report states that the GUGD operates a number of specialized submarines, submersibles, and surface vessels, and its primary tasks include reconnaissance and the collection of maritime intelligence, including the surveillance of foreign naval assets and the operation of underwater surveillance systems. It may also have the capability to disable underwater infrastructure.

According to experts, concerns regarding the seabed are not limited to British waters, as U.S. authorities and NATO warned allies in 2023 and 2024 that Russia is actively mapping undersea infrastructure. The report noted that in December 2025 and January 2026, at least six suspected cases of sabotage or damage to cables in the Baltic Sea were identified. In several cases, vessels were allegedly dragging anchors along the seabed.