The Russian spy ship Yantar targeted Royal Air Force jets with lasers in waters off northern Scotland. The Yantar, operated by the Russian Defense Ministry’s Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research, is known for intelligence gathering, mapping undersea cables, and operating uncrewed underwater vehicles. The incident occurred while UK naval and air forces monitored the vessel, including Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset, RAF P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and likely Typhoon fighters. The exact type of laser used is unclear, but such lasers can temporarily or permanently impair optics or personnel. This action is considered deeply dangerous by UK officials. The Yantar has been conducting activities in UK exclusive economic zone international waters, focusing on surveillance and potential sabotage of undersea infrastructure, which includes critical undersea cables vital to communications and military operations. This event adds to ongoing concerns about Russian hybrid warfare tactics targeting undersea infrastructure, with NATO boosting efforts to monitor and protect these assets.

The Russian spy ship Yantar targeted Royal Air Force jets with lasers in waters off northern Scotland. The Yantar, operated by the Russian Defense Ministry’s Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research, is known for intelligence gathering, mapping undersea cables, and operating uncrewed underwater vehicles. The incident occurred while UK naval and air forces monitored the vessel, including Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset, RAF P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and likely Typhoon fighters. The exact type of laser used is unclear, but such lasers can temporarily or permanently impair optics or personnel. This action is considered deeply dangerous by UK officials. The Yantar has been conducting activities in UK exclusive economic zone international waters, focusing on surveillance and potential sabotage of undersea infrastructure, which includes critical undersea cables vital to communications and military operations. This event adds to ongoing concerns about Russian hybrid warfare tactics targeting undersea infrastructure, with NATO boosting efforts to monitor and protect these assets.