The British Navy is boosting efforts to safeguard its waters after spotting a Russian spy ship in UK territory for the second time this month. The vessel, named Yantar, was tracked sailing through the English Channel earlier this week, accompanied by a British warship, HMS Somerset.

This isn’t the Yantar’s first trip to the area. Back in November, it reportedly lingered over critical underwater infrastructure before being warned off by a British submarine. After leaving for the Mediterranean, the ship has now made a return, raising eyebrows and concerns.

The incident comes at a tense time, with growing fears of Russian interference in international waters, especially as the conflict in Ukraine continues. Recent events in the Baltic Sea, including damage to an undersea cable between Estonia and Finland, have only heightened worries.

To counter these threats, the UK is ramping up its defense measures. British Defense Secretary John Healey announced plans to deploy advanced AI technology, called Nordic Warden, to monitor and protect critical offshore infrastructure. The UK is also working closely with NATO allies to ensure Russian ships and aircraft can’t operate unnoticed near UK or NATO territory.

“We know what you’re doing, and we won’t hesitate to take strong action to protect Britain,” Healey stated, directing his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has not commented on the allegations, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claiming he’s “not familiar” with the Yantar’s recent movements.

This latest episode underscores the ongoing tensions between the UK and Russia, with the British Navy prepared to stay vigilant in defense of its waters.