Royal Navy and RAF monitor Russian spy ship near Southend as tensions rise

A Russian spy ship, believed to be gathering intelligence on undersea NATO infrastructure, was closely monitored as it passed near Southend along the English Channel. The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force (RAF) swiftly responded, with a Merlin helicopter temporarily based at Southend Airport and the warship HMS Iron Duke tracking the vessel’s movements.

The Russian ship, identified as ‘Yantar’ (Янтарь), is operated by the Russian Navy as an intelligence collection vessel. Equipped with advanced surveillance technology, Yantar has long been suspected of monitoring undersea cables that carry critical internet, telecommunications, and military data.

A growing concern in European waters

In the days leading up to its appearance near the UK, the spy ship had been closely followed by Norway’s Coast Guard. Norwegian media reported that Yantar had been spotted near vital oil and gas pipelines and submarine cables—raising alarms about possible attempts to map, or even sabotage, undersea infrastructure.

In response, the RAF dispatched a Poseidon aircraft, a highly advanced surveillance plane armed with sensors and anti-submarine warfare systems, to keep a close watch on the ship. These aircraft are specifically designed to detect underwater threats and monitor suspicious naval activity.

According to military analysts, Yantar can act as a mothership to deep-sea mini-submarines, capable of diving to depths of 6,000 metres. These submersibles are believed to have the capability to cut or tamper with undersea cables, a concern raised by the United States Navy, which has warned about the potential for Russian interference with critical communication lines.

Public concern over security risks

The presence of Yantar so close to British waters has sparked concern among the public and military observers. Ken Conway, reacting to the situation, said: “Worrying—how and why did they let it get this close before intercepting it? It should have been informed to leave the area long before then.”

As geopolitical tensions remain high, particularly following previous incidents of Russian naval activity near NATO territories, this latest sighting has only added to concerns over maritime security and the protection of critical infrastructure.

The Royal Navy has assured the public that the situation was monitored closely, with a coordinated response from the UK’s armed forces. However, the event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing intelligence battles taking place beneath the waves—and the need for constant vigilance in protecting vital national infrastructure.