What is Russia's GUGI unit and what is its purpose?

GUGI is Russia's elite deep-sea sabotage unit, tasked with mapping and potentially damaging undersea cables and pipelines.

How is the Royal Navy responding to the threat from GUGI?

The Royal Navy is enhancing surveillance with new underwater networks like Atlantic Bastion and strengthening alliances with countries like Norway.

What infrastructure is at risk from Russian deep-sea operations?

Undersea internet cables and gas pipelines that connect Britain and its NATO allies are at risk of sabotage.

Home / War and Conflict / Royal Navy Warns of Shadowy Russian Underwater Threat

Royal Navy Warns of Shadowy Russian Underwater Threat

22 Dec

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Summary

Russia is investing heavily in a secret deep-sea unit known as GUGI.
This unit is capable of operating at extreme depths to sabotage infrastructure.
The Royal Navy is enhancing surveillance with new underwater networks.

Royal Navy Warns of Shadowy Russian Underwater Threat

The Royal Navy has issued a stark warning regarding Russia's dedicated deep-sea sabotage unit, GUGI, which is reportedly resuming operations. This highly secretive group possesses the capability to operate at extreme depths, posing a direct threat to critical undersea infrastructure such as internet cables and gas pipelines. Recent intelligence indicates GUGI's subsurface capabilities have been reactivated after a period of setbacks, including a fire incident in 2019 that claimed the lives of 14 officers aboard the deep-diving submarine Losharik.

Concerns have escalated as one of GUGI's spy ships, the Yantar, was observed loitering over cables linking the UK and Ireland earlier this year. Despite Moscow's claims of research activities, the vessel's capacity to deploy submersibles capable of reaching 6,000 meters raises significant alarms about potential sabotage. Experts warn that GUGI could sever vital communication and power lines, impacting both Britain and its NATO allies. The Kremlin's continued investment in this unit, even amidst the war in Ukraine, underscores its strategic importance.