UK says Russia ran submarine operation over cables and pipelines

UK Accuses Russia of Covert Submarine Activity Near Critical Infrastructure

Defence Secretary John Healey revealed that three Russian submarines had carried out a secret operation near undersea cables and energy pipelines in the Atlantic, north of the UK. The mission, described as “malign,” prompted the deployment of a British warship and aircraft to monitor the activity, with no damage reported to UK infrastructure, he stated.

Healey directly addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin, asserting,

“We see you. We see your activity over our cables and our pipelines, and you should know that any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences.”

The UK’s reliance on these cables for data and energy underscores the significance of the operation, as approximately 60 undersea cables land along the UK coastline, notably in East Anglia and South West England. Over 90% of daily internet traffic traverses these vital links.

Submarine Tactics and Monitoring Efforts

Healey explained that Russia had deployed an Akula-class submarine as a distraction while two Guggi-class vessels performed surveillance. The first Akula left UK waters shortly after being tracked, whereas the two Guggi submarines remained in the area. To monitor the operation, the Royal Navy mobilized a Type 23 frigate, HMS St Albans, the RFA Tidespring, and Merlin helicopters.

While Healey specifically named Norway among the nations involved in tracking the activity, he emphasized that the UK had “left Russia in no doubt” about the surveillance. He highlighted the use of sonar buoys to demonstrate continuous monitoring, stating,

“We watched them, we were able to track them, and we dropped sonar buoys to show they were under observation every hour of their operation.”

Global Impact of Underwater Infrastructure

Undersea cables and pipelines are essential to global connectivity, spanning 870,000 miles (1.4 million km) and linking over 600 cables worldwide. These systems carry electricity and data across oceans, often arriving at discreet coastal locations. The UK’s energy network also depends on pipelines, particularly in the North Sea, which transport gas from the UK and Norwegian Continental Shelves. The Langeled pipeline, stretching 724 miles (1,166 km), is a key example, with 77% of the UK’s gas imports sourced from Norway via this route.

BBC InDepth reported in 2025 that Russia had been engaging in hybrid warfare against the UK and Western Europe. This strategy involves anonymous, deniable attacks designed to punish or deter military support for Ukraine. The Russian embassy had previously claimed it was “not interested in British underwater communications,” though the recent operation suggests otherwise.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed the need to counter Russian aggression, stating,

“I am determined to protect the British people from bearing the cost of Putin’s actions in their household bills.”

He underscored the UK’s commitment to exposing Russia’s efforts to destabilize Western nations, ensuring that such covert operations do not go unnoticed.