Hybrid Warfare: Russian Spy Ship in English Channel Highlights Escalating Risks

The Royal Navy’s recent interception of the Russian spy ship Yantar in the English Channel marks the latest development in a series of incidents underscoring the growing threat of hybrid warfare at sea.

The Royal Navy confirmed this week that the HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne tracked Yantar through the Channel. Somerset’s Commanding Officer, Commander Matthew Teare, noted that while such operations are “routine business for HMS Somerset’s ship’s company and the Royal Navy,” they remain “vital work for the UK’s security.”

A Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron supported the operation, covertly tracking Yantar. The interception began south of France’s Ushant traffic separation scheme, with Somerset shadowing the vessel through the Channel and the Strait of Dover.

“It’s hard to overstate the importance of data cables, oil and gas pipelines, electricity cables for wind power and interconnectors that run under the sea, to the wealth and wellbeing of our island country,” said Commander Hugo Floyer of HMS Tyne.

Russia has dismissed any threat to underwater infrastructure as baseless.

“Claims by @DefenceHQ (the X handle for Britain…