On November 19, 2025, a Russian spy ship named Yantar, operating on the edge of U.K. waters north of Scotland, pointed lasers at British pilots for the first time in a significant escalation. Defense Secretary John Healey revealed this during a media briefing at Downing Street, warning of possible military options if the vessel moves further into U.K. waters. The Yantar, designed to gather intelligence and map Britain's undersea cables, had entered U.K. wider waters over recent weeks, marking its second deployment this year in the area. Britain plans to track the ship with a Royal Navy frigate and maritime patrol aircraft as the nation stands ready to respond if the vessel travels south.

On November 19, 2025, a Russian spy ship named Yantar, operating on the edge of U.K. waters north of Scotland, pointed lasers at British pilots for the first time in a significant escalation. Defense Secretary John Healey revealed this during a media briefing at Downing Street, warning of possible military options if the vessel moves further into U.K. waters. The Yantar, designed to gather intelligence and map Britain's undersea cables, had entered U.K. wider waters over recent weeks, marking its second deployment this year in the area. Britain plans to track the ship with a Royal Navy frigate and maritime patrol aircraft as the nation stands ready to respond if the vessel travels south.