A UK patrol ship has intercepted a Russian corvette and tanker in the English Channel, amid a notable 30% increase in Russian naval activity around UK waters over the last two years. This incident follows the recent deployment of three Poseidon surveillance aircraft to Iceland as part of NATO’s efforts to monitor Russian maritime movements. UK Defence Secretary John Healey condemned the actions of the Russian spy ship Yantar, which reportedly aimed lasers at surveillance aircraft, calling them reckless. With rising threats from Russia and other state actors, the UK government faces pressure to increase military spending, balancing national security needs against fiscal challenges.