UK Defense Secretary Warns of 30% Surge in Russian Naval Activity, Increases North Atlantic Patrols

The United Kingdom has reported a 30% increase in Russian submarine activity near its waters, reaching levels reminiscent of the Cold War, according to Defence Secretary John Healey. The Royal Air Force and Royal Navy have intensified their patrols in the North Atlantic, often conducting near-daily missions with NATO support, to monitor and track Russian vessels, signaling a firm warning to Moscow. Healey described these actions as a response to Russian aggression and hybrid tactics that threaten not just Ukraine but Europe's security broadly. The UK has deployed advanced aircraft like the P-8, equipped with sophisticated surveillance technology, to detect submarine movements and other suspicious activities. This heightened vigilance also follows concerns about Russian intelligence networks circumventing sanctions to acquire sensitive technology for submarine development. The situation reflects broader Western apprehension about Russia's intent to intimidate, gather intelligence, and potentially disrupt critical infrastructure such as undersea cables.