Russia has been accused of conducting a “nefarious” month-long submarine operation over British subsea infrastructure including pipelines and internet cables.
According to defence secretary John Healey, the operation involved three Russian vessels – two Gugi spy submarines and an Akula class submarine – that did not damage any key infrastructure.
Russia initially deployed an attack submarine entering international waters in the High North, which includes the European Arctic and the surrounding areas of the North Atlantic. But military personnel believed the vessel was being used as a distraction, and after working with allies including Norway identified other Russian vessels above some subsea infrastructure.
The Royal Navy then 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.
Subsea fibre optic cables act as a major backbone for global digital communications, relaying over 99% of...