UK says it exposed Russian submarine activity near undersea cables

The British government disclosed that Russian naval forces, including an attack submarine and vessels from the Main Directorate of Deep Sea Research (GUGI), were monitored conducting covert operations near critical undersea infrastructure north of the UK. UK authorities say the mission was tracked and disrupted by British and allied forces with no reported damage, warning that attacks on undersea fibre-optic cables and pipelines would have serious consequences for connectivity and national security. #GUGI #UnderseaCables

Keypoints

British and allied forces tracked a Russian attack submarine and GUGI vessels near UK seabed infrastructure.
The MoD says GUGI conducts peacetime surveys of underwater infrastructure to prepare for sabotage in conflict.
UK ships, aircraft and sonobuoys signaled the units were being monitored, forcing the Russian vessels to retreat.
No damage was reported, but undersea fibre-optic cables carry over 99% of international data and are critical to connectivity.
The UK will increase surveillance and international cooperation to protect undersea infrastructure and national resilience.