Russian ship Yantar hits RAF pilots with laser, Britain threatens response

British Defence Secretary John Healey has said the country has military options ready if the Russian intelligence ship Yantar changes course or poses a threat. He was reacting to an incident in which the ship was said to have directed lasers at British Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots who were monitoring it.

Healey described the use of lasers as "extremely dangerous" and pointed out that this was the first known incident in which the ship was to use lasers against British pilots.

Amber, designed to gather intelligence and map undersea cables, is currently on the border of British waters north of Scotland.

The Secretary of State has also changed the British Navy's rules of engagement so that they can more closely monitor the activities of the Jantar while it is in and around British waters. According to Healey, Britain is prepared to act immediately if there is further disruption.

Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, similar incidents in British and North Atlantic waters have become increasingly frequent.

(reuters, lud)