UK exposes covert Russian submarine operation in and around UK waters

Summary

In April 2026, UK military exposed and tracked covert Russian submarine and GUGI vessels near UK waters and underwater infrastructure, forcing their retreat to Russia.

British forces identified a Russian attack submarine entering international waters in the High North several weeks before April 2026 and tracked its operations continuously. The deployment was a Russian distraction while specialist vessels from Russia's GUGI conducted hostile activity near critical subsea infrastructure, which underpins global communications and finance. UK naval forces including HMS St Albans and RFA Tidespring, supported by Merlin helicopters and RAF P8 maritime patrol aircraft, deployed sonobuoys and sensors to monitor the Russian vessels. The UK collaborated with Norway and other allies to monitor the operation. Both the Akula class attack submarine and GUGI vessels subsequently retreated, failing to complete their covert mission. The UK government highlighted increased Russian incursions near UK waters, including a 30% rise in threatening Russian vessels over two years. The UK is investing an additional £100 million in P8 aircraft and advancing Royal Navy submarine hunting through the Atlantic Bastion program, amidst the largest defense spending uplift since the Cold War (up to 2.6% GDP by 2027). Officials emphasized vigilance against Russian aggression targeting UK and allied underwater infrastructure.

Evidence

I want to pay tribute to the UK personnel who spent many days tracking these Russian submarines in extremely challenging and treacherous conditions. While the eyes of many – understandably – were on the Middle East, our British Armed Forces were simultaneously responding to rising Russian threats north of the UK. - Defence Secretary John Healey MP
I am determined to protect the British people from paying the price for Putin’s aggression in their household bills. That is why we will not shy away from taking action and exposing Russia’s destabilising activity that seeks to test our resolve. - Prime Minister Keir Starmer
To Putin, I say this: we see you, we see your activity over our underwater infrastructure. You should know that any attempt to damage it will not be tolerated and would have serious consequences. - Defence Secretary John Healey MP
The Yantar is one the key vessels used by Russia to threaten the UK and our allies. Over the last two years, the UK has seen a 30% increase in Russian vessels threatening UK waters.
The Royal Navy deployed a Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans, RFA Tidespring and Merlin helicopters to track the attack submarine as it operated near British territorial waters.
Working alongside RAF P8 aircraft, the submarine was tracked 24/7 in an operation carried out with allies.
GUGI is Russia’s long-running military programme to develop capabilities to be deployed from specialist surface vessels and submarines, that are intended to survey underwater infrastructure during peacetime, but then damage or destroy infrastructure during a conflict.

Classification

Confidence: High

The event clearly describes hostile Russian naval sub-surface operations in a strategic maritime domain targeting UK interests, and the UK along with allies responded with continuous tracking and overt monitoring, including deployment of naval and air assets. Both aggressor and defense activities are explicitly described with named actors and detailed actions.