Russian nuclear-powered submarine detected near United Kingdom waters

A Russian nuclear submarine was recently spotted off the coast of the United Kingdom, prompting an emergency defense meeting. The incident comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West, particularly over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The submarine, identified as the Kazan, is a state-of-the-art Yasen-class vessel, capable of carrying cruise missiles and torpedoes.

BBC said that “A Russian submarine that is currently in Cuba was spotted off Scotland’s west coast before it arrived in Havana last week”.

The sighting of Kazan, which did not enter UK waters, prompted the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to brief the prime minister.

It was identified by an RAF Poseidon P8 anti-submarine aircraft as it passed Ireland on 5 June.

The UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood was immediately informed of the situation, and both the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary were briefed on the matter.

This incident comes on the heels of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s promise to “punish” the West for providing long-term missiles and a £40 billion loan to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets.

The US NATO Ambassador, Julianne Smith, has also indicated a potential policy shift that could allow the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to target Russian mainland sites.