The Royal Air Force is being urged to prepare to use laser weapons against a Russian surveillance ship following its dangerous attempt to blind British pilots, according to a prominent defense expert.
Defense Secretary John Healey recently disclosed that the crew aboard the Yantar directed lasers at RAF P-8 planes while being monitored near UK waters in Scotland. Concerns have been raised over the ship’s suspected activities of mapping crucial underwater cables responsible for transmitting a significant portion of the UK’s telecommunications data. In a stern warning to the Kremlin, Healey cautioned Vladimir Putin that the UK is vigilant and prepared to respond if the Yantar moves south.
Professor Anthony Glees commended Healey’s strong stance but emphasized the need for quicker responses to Russian provocations. Glees suggested that RAF pilots should retaliate with their own laser devices if targeted by the Yantar. He criticized the cautious approach taken by the UK, urging a more assertive stance against Russian aggression.
Glees linked the Yantar’s actions to a pattern of escalating conduct by Russia across Europe, including drone incursions, airspace violations, and spy activities. The Yantar’s presence near UK waters is not a new occurrence, with previous concerns raised earlier this year. The ship, operated by the Russian Navy’s Main Directorate of Underwater Research, is believed to be conducting surveillance on critical undersea infrastructure.
While Russia has maintained that the Yantar is conducting research in international waters, the UK has military options prepared in case of further encroachment. Former MI6 head Sir Richard Dearlove suggested the Royal Navy might need to issue a warning shot if the Yantar gets too close, although efforts to avoid unnecessary conflict are preferred.