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Russia: Warships

Asked by James CartlidgeConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 24 November 2025UIN 92637

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact on national security of the Russian spy vessel Yantar entering British waters.

Answered by Al Carns

Russia’s Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research is developing capabilities intended to survey underwater infrastructure during peacetime and damage, or even destroy, it during a conflict. These capabilities are deployed from submarines and specialist surface vessels, including Yantar.

MOD takes this threat extremely seriously. The Royal Navy closely track and monitor the activities of the Yantar, and have military options ready to respond if needed.

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