UK says Russia ran submarine operation over cables and pipelines
UK says Russia ran submarine operation over cables and pipelines
UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that three Russian submarines carried out a covert mission targeting undersea cables and pipelines near the country’s northern waters. British naval assets and aircraft were deployed to prevent Moscow’s “malign” activities from affecting critical infrastructure in the Atlantic, with no damage reported to UK systems, he added.
Critical Infrastructure Reliance
The UK depends on its submarine cables and energy pipelines for essential data and power. Approximately 60 undersea cables land along the coastline, especially in the East Anglia and South West England regions. Around 90% of daily internet traffic crosses these cables, highlighting their strategic importance.
Submarine Tactics and Monitoring
Healey disclosed that Russia used an Akula-class submarine as a distraction while two Guggi-class vessels focused on surveilling the cables. The first Akula left UK waters promptly, but the Guggi submarines stayed. The Royal Navy deployed HMS St Albans, RFA Tidespring, and Merlin helicopters to track all three subs. Norway also participated, though Healey named it explicitly.
“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,” Healey stated.
He emphasized that the Russian forces were made aware of their monitored movements, with sonar buoys deployed to signal constant surveillance. He also claimed that Putin aimed to exploit global attention on the Middle East conflict, positioning Russia as the “primary threat to UK security.”
Exposing Covert Actions
Healey said the UK remains prepared to track and expose future operations by Moscow, ensuring vital interests are protected. Undersea cables and pipelines are critical globally, spanning over 870,000 miles (1.4 million km) and connecting more than 600 cables. These systems also supply energy via pipelines in the North Sea, including the Langeled pipeline, which links Norway to the UK over 724 miles (1,166 km).
About 77% of the UK’s gas imports originate from Norway through these underwater networks. BBC InDepth uncovered in 2025 that Russia was engaging in “hybrid warfare” against the UK and Western Europe, using tactics to deter continued military aid to Ukraine.
“Hybrid warfare is when a hostile state executes anonymous, deniable attacks under suspicious conditions, without directly provoking war,” explained the BBC report.
The Russian embassy had previously asserted it was “not interested in British underwater communications,” despite the recent evidence of covert surveillance efforts.
