Archive · 20 Nov 2025
UK Warns Russia After Yantar Ship Enters Waters, Targets Pilots with Lasers
A Russian spy ship called Yantar entered British waters and shone lasers at UK military pilots.
The UK's defence secretary said this is part of a new era of threats from hostile countries and that the UK is ready to respond if needed.
Russian spy ship Yantar entered British waters and directed lasers at UK military pilots
UK defence secretary John Healey warns of a 'new era of threat' from hostile countries
Yantar has crossed into UK's exclusive economic zone repeatedly in recent weeks
UK military deployed Royal Navy frigate and RAF planes to monitor Yantar
UK changed navy's rules of engagement to monitor Yantar more closely
- Who
- Russian spy ship Yantar, UK military pilots, UK defence secretary John Healey
- What
- Laser incident involving Yantar and UK military pilots
- When
- Recently, with previous incidents in January 2024
- Where
- British waters, north of Scotland
- Why
- To gather intelligence and map undersea cables, and potentially to threaten UK's undersea infrastructure
UK's Stance
Russia's Stance
Laser Incident
UK's Stance
Deeply dangerous and taken extremely seriously; UK ready to respond if Yantar becomes a threat
Russia's Stance
No official response from Russia
- Ship Name
- Yantar
- Ship Type
- Intelligence gathering and mapping
- Location
- North of Scotland, near British waters
- Previous Incidents
- Entered British waters in January 2024
Sources
UK says ‘military options ready’ as Russian ship uses lasers against RAF pilots
UK Says "Military Options Ready" If Russian Spy Ship Becomes A Threat
UK warns of ‘new era of threat’ after Russian spy ship enters British waters, shines lasers at military pilots
UK says ‘military options’ ready as Russian ship points lasers at RAF pilots
Spy ship near UK waters, Britain warns Russia
