UK Prepares Military Response Options Against Russian Spy Ship Yantar After Laser Incidents

Nov 19, 2025 09:11 pm CST

Britain's Defence Minister John Healey has announced military readiness in response to the Russian intelligence vessel Yantar directing lasers at RAF pilots during monitoring operations. The spy ship, currently positioned near British territorial waters north of Scotland, has prompted the UK to modify naval rules of engagement for closer surveillance of the vessel specialized in underwater cable mapping.