Overview
- A defence source said the Yantar used jamming technology against HMS Somerset’s navigation, affecting only civilian-grade GPS.
- Commercial vessels near the Russian ship, including fishermen, were believed to have experienced more serious GPS disruption.
- Days earlier, Defence Secretary John Healey said Yantar directed military‑grade lasers at RAF P-8 pilots, calling it a deeply dangerous first against UK forces.
- HMS Somerset and RAF P‑8 Poseidons are continuing to shadow the vessel off northern Scotland, with closer tracking authorized and military options kept ready, according to officials.
- The Yantar is linked to Russia’s GUGI unit and carries unmanned vehicles and mini‑submarines suited to mapping or tampering with undersea cables.