Russian spy ship monitored by Plymouth-based frigate near UK waters

Plymouth-based frigate HMS Somerset has been deployed to monitor a Russian spy ship, the Yantar, after it was confirmed by Defence Secretary John Healey last night (November 20) to be on the edge of UK waters north of Scotland.

The vessel, known for mapping undersea cables and deploying deep-water sensors, has been closely monitored by HMS Somerset, one of Devonport’s Type 23 frigates.

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RAF P-8 Poseidon aircraft monitored the Yantar as it manoeuvred near UK waters. 

The Russian ship reportedly used “light lasers” against British aircrew, creating a safety concern.

Healey announced that he had amended the rules of engagement in response, saying the UK is “ready to act” if the vessel travels further south.

For Plymouth, home to the Royal Navy’s largest operational base, the incident underscores the city’s increasing role in safeguarding critical underwater infrastructure. 

Devonport ships have been repeatedly deployed this year to shadow Russian vessels, and Yantar’s return marks the second time in 2025 it has approached UK waters.

ABOVE: Yantar, Russian research vessel. Photo by Andrey Luzik, CC BY 4.0. Source

HMS Somerset has been conducting Towed Array Patrol Ship duties in northern waters and has moved in close to the Russian ship as part of the operation. 

The deployment follows earlier international concerns; the Yantar was escorted from Dutch and Belgian waters earlier this month and previously entered the Irish Sea in late 2024.

With global attention now focused on the UK’s underwater security, Plymouth’s dockyard and its fleet continue to play a central role in acting as the first line of defence.

Luke Pollard, Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport has been approached by The Moorlander for comment.