UK Closely Monitors Russian GUGI Submarines

The UK Ministry of Defence has revealed the exposure of Russia’s covert activities targeting critical submarine infrastructure in the North Atlantic. It was also reported that special-purpose submarines belonging to Russia’s Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research (GUGI), along with an Akula-class submarine, were withdrawn from the area after allied forces tracked them continuously for over 450 hours.

According to Ministry data, the operation was conducted in coordination with UK and Norwegian forces. Key elements of the monitoring efforts included:

24/7 Technical Tracking: The Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans, the RFA Tidespring logistics support vessel, and Merlin helicopters from the Royal Navy were deployed.

Air Support: P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from the Royal Air Force (RAF) flew over 450 hours during the operation, tracking Russian assets in real time.

Deterrence: UK officials sent a clear message to the Russian units that they were being monitored, removing the element of secrecy from the operation. Following this pressure, it was confirmed that the Akula-class submarine and GUGI units moved north, returning to Russia.

Infrastructure and Hybrid Threats

Minister Healey emphasized that GUGI units map undersea fiber optic cables and power lines during peacetime. He also highlighted their capacity to sabotage this infrastructure in a conflict scenario. The statement referred to last year’s activities of the Russian spy ship Yantar, which operated near UK waters. Overall, the report noted a 30% increase in Russian naval presence in the region over the past two years.

Regarding the operation, Defence Secretary Healey said: “I am proud of our Armed Forces; they left no doubt for these Russian vessels. Their movements were not secret, and attempts at covert operations were exposed.”

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Source: C4Defence-The UK Ministry of Defence