UK says Russia ran submarine operation over cables and pipelines

UK Accuses Russia of Conducting Secret Submarine Mission Near Critical Infrastructure

Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that Russian submarines operated covertly in the Atlantic waters off the UK’s coast, targeting undersea cables and energy pipelines. He noted that British naval forces, including a Type 23 frigate and Merlin helicopters, were deployed to observe the activity and prevent potential harm to national infrastructure. No damage was reported during the operation, he emphasized.

Healey highlighted the strategic importance of these underwater systems, stating that the UK depends on them for data transmission and energy supply. Approximately 60 cables, which land along the UK’s coastline—especially in East Anglia and South West England—carry over 90% of the nation’s daily internet traffic. Additionally, the country relies on a network of gas pipelines in the North Sea, which connect the UK and Norwegian Continental Shelves. The Langeled pipeline, spanning 724 miles, is a key link for energy imports from Norway, where 77% of the UK’s gas comes through.

Monitoring Russian Submarine Movements

During the operation, Russia deployed an Akula-class submarine as a distraction, while two Guggi-class vessels carried out surveillance. Healey explained that the Akula left UK waters quickly, whereas the two Guggi subs stayed longer. The Royal Navy used sonar buoys to track the submarines continuously, demonstrating their presence during every phase of the mission. He added that Norway was among the nations assisting in monitoring the activity.

“We saw them, we tracked their movements, and we made it clear that their covert actions had been exposed,” Healey stated. “Any attempt to interfere with our vital infrastructure will not go unnoticed and will face strong responses.”

Healey also accused Moscow of exploiting global attention on conflicts in the Middle East to launch a “primary threat” against the UK. Despite this, he expressed confidence in the UK’s ability to detect and counter future Russian operations. “Putin’s ambitions to undermine our interests remain a focus, but we are ready to identify and neutralize such efforts,” he concluded.

Undersea cables and pipelines are critical to global connectivity, with over 600 such cables spanning 870,000 miles. These networks support electricity and information flow across oceans, often located in discreet coastal areas. The BBC InDepth reported in 2025 that Russia has been waging “hybrid warfare” against the UK and Europe, aiming to deter Western support for Ukraine through anonymous, deniable attacks.

The Russian embassy had previously denied interest in British underwater communications, but Healey’s claims suggest a more deliberate strategy to disrupt key infrastructure. This operation underscores the growing emphasis on securing critical systems from foreign threats, even in the absence of direct military confrontation.