The Royal Navy has tracked a Russian Kilo-class submarine, the Krasnodar, as it transited through the English Channel, part of ongoing efforts to safeguard UK waters and maintain national security. The operation underscores growing concerns over Russian naval activity in the region, which the UK government says has increased by 30% over the past two years.

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Submarine Shadowed by Royal Fleet Auxiliary Tanker

The Krasnodar, accompanied by its tugboat Altay, was monitored by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) tanker Tidesurge, which was equipped with a specialist Merlin helicopter for surveillance. The submarine sailed on the surface from the North Sea, through the Strait of Dover, and into the English Channel.

“We were prepared to pivot to anti-submarine operations if Krasnodar had submerged,” the Royal Navy said, highlighting the readiness of UK forces to respond to potential threats.

Capt James Allen, commanding officer of RFA Tidesurge, emphasized the mission’s dual purpose:

“Our vessel provided a show of presence and deterrence as we transited from the North Sea to the English Channel.”

Tracking continued until the submarine approached north-west France, at which point NATO allies assumed monitoring responsibilities.

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Context: Rising Russian Naval Activity

The incident follows a series of Russian naval operations near UK waters, including the recent presence of a Russian spy ship using lasers to target RAF aircraft during intelligence-gathering missions. The UK has consistently highlighted that such activities, including mapping undersea cables and pipelines, pose a direct threat to national security.

Defence Secretary John Healey announced the Atlantic Bastion programme this week, aimed at protecting the UK’s undersea infrastructure from Russian interference. Critics, however, argue that the Royal Navy currently lacks the resources to fully secure the nation’s critical maritime assets.

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Cybersecurity Concerns

Alongside the naval threat, UK officials have reported increasing cyber and intelligence threats linked to Russia. House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle warned MPs about phishing attempts targeting messaging apps such as Signal and WhatsApp, used by MPs and UK officials.

A government spokesperson confirmed that the National Cyber Security Centre is working with parliamentary partners to counter these threats and protect sensitive communications from hostile actors.

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UK-Russia Tensions at Sea

The Royal Navy’s operations reflect heightened vigilance amid ongoing tensions with Russia. While Moscow has stated it is “not interested in British underwater communications”, the UK continues to monitor Russian submarines and spy ships to ensure the integrity of national waters and infrastructure.

“We see you. We know what you are doing. And we are ready,” Defence Secretary John Healey stated in a direct message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.