The UK Ministry of Defence believes these spying devices are part of a broader campaign of 'greyzone' warfare by Moscow, targeting critical undersea infrastructure.

The vulnerability of the UK's infrastructure is significant, with 90% of its data and 60% of its gas supply reliant on undersea cables, making them susceptible to sabotage.

In response to these threats, military leaders are planning 'Operation Atlantic Bastion' to enhance patrols in UK waters and the North Atlantic.

UK defense officials are advocating for more assertive measures, such as deploying sea mines, to protect sensitive maritime areas, a tactic not employed since the Cold War.

Recent reports indicate that Russian sensors suspected of spying on Britain's nuclear submarines have been discovered in UK waters.

The fragility of European infrastructure was underscored by the destruction of the Nord Stream pipeline, raising alarms about potential impacts on energy supplies.

Additionally, the UK government is investing £400 million in a project named Cabot, which will deploy unmanned drones for maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare.

This heightened focus on security comes as the UK government has committed to modernizing its naval forces, emphasizing the need for a robust nuclear deterrent in a more dangerous world.

The government is also increasing defense spending and considering collaborations with private companies to bolster maritime monitoring capabilities.

The UK's Trident 2-D5 missiles, capable of striking targets 4,000 miles away, play a crucial role in deterring potential aggressors, including Russia.

As tensions rise, Putin's 'shadow war' has become a significant aspect of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, revealing Russia's aggressive strategies against Western infrastructure.

In light of these developments, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has warned that an attack on the UK's undersea cable infrastructure would pose an existential threat to national security.