The UK Ministry of Defence has launched an operation using advanced remote-controlled sea drones, operated by Royal Navy officers aboard the XV Patrick Blackett from a secret location, to intercept and monitor Russia’s shadow fleet of illicit oil tankers evading Western sanctions in UK waters. The new British ‘shadow fleet’ command center established in the North East coordinates these efforts, aiming to disrupt and curtail Kremlin-backed smuggling operations linked to Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine. These drones can be piloted from over 100 miles away, enhancing UK maritime surveillance and interdiction capabilities significantly. This initiative builds on recently introduced sanctions and maritime restrictions targeting Russia’s ability to exploit energy markets. The UK government regards these operations as a critical frontline defense against Russian hybrid warfare tactics in the maritime domain. Officials highlight that such measures are essential in strengthening national security and supporting Ukraine. The deployment follows concerns about Russian state-linked criminal networks using covert tankers to circumvent sanctions, thereby undermining global energy stability.
Category: Military & Paramilitary Operations
Subcategory: High-Tech Military Tools
Incident Type: Drone swarms & UAV surveillance
Country: United Kingdom
Source report: inews.co.uk/news/sea-…
