Media: UK discovers Russian spy sensors in Its waters for submarine surveillance

According to The Times, this discovery is the result of several months of discussions with military officials and former defense ministers about how Russia could use its maritime capabilities to prepare for potential sabotage operations against the UK.

The sensors, believed to be Russian spy devices, were found in the sea, some of which had become detached from their mounts and were washed ashore by waves, where they were subsequently found. Others were located using naval vessels. The specific locations of the discoveries have been withheld for national security reasons.

The British military believes these sensors were set up to gather intelligence on the UK's nuclear submarines, which remain at sea as part of deterrence measures. The article also highlights the ongoing threat Russia poses to NATO countries with its underwater capabilities, which Moscow has continued to develop even after the Cold War. Russia is said to have exceptional underwater warfare and espionage tools, some of which may even surpass the capabilities of the UK and other NATO members.

Before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin began preparing for a potential war with NATO, and this strategy involved surveillance and preparation for sabotage operations against underwater infrastructure. British military sources suggest that the bombing of the Nord Stream pipelines in the fall of 2022 may have been the first such demonstration, with the precision of the operation reflecting the signature of Russian hybrid warfare tactics. They also suspect that "anchor incidents" involving cables in the Baltic Sea were not accidental.

Some sources also mentioned compelling intelligence suggesting that, prior to February 2022, yachts owned by Russian oligarchs may have been involved in espionage activities in British waters. These yachts were reportedly equipped with the necessary technical tools to install or retrieve underwater espionage equipment.

According to a former minister, the military had not been "blind" to these threats. For instance, in 2018, when a Russian oligarch's yacht suddenly anchored near the British warship HMS Albion in Cyprus, there were suspicions of espionage, prompting the ship to leave port quickly.

The article notes that wind farms in UK waters, which supply a fifth of the country's electricity, represent a potential target for Russian sabotage, as energy is transmitted to the mainland via underwater cables. There are also concerns regarding underwater oil and gas pipelines, particularly those supplying energy from Norway, which could be targeted for sabotage similar to the Nord Stream attacks.

Additionally, the 60 communication cables connecting the UK to various parts of the world are considered "easy prey," and their locations are not classified. However, sources suggest that operators are aware of these risks and have prepared alternatives. The military is particularly concerned that Russia could identify the locations of cables crucial for military communications and damage them.

In conclusion, the discovery of these spy devices and the increasing Russian activity in the Atlantic underline the growing security threats to the UK's underwater infrastructure and military communications, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness.

• The United Kingdom has officially introduced a new level of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, which includes Russia. From now on, anyone acting in Russia's interests in the country must openly declare their activities.