UK navy tracked three Russian submarines near undersea cables, damage would 'have serious consequences,' Putin warned — US and allies expand seabed protection efforts

The UK says a Royal Navy warship and P8 aircraft tracked three Russian submarines near undersea cables and pipelines in the North Atlantic.

Two of the vessels were special-mission GUGI submarines that were surveying seabed infrastructure, but they left without causing damage.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the operation showed Britain can detect and deter threats to critical underwater assets.

NATO allies and other countries are stepping up patrols and monitoring tools to protect cables and pipelines from sabotage.