According to news agency Reuters on 10 September 2026, the Russian military tested how to sabotage underwater cables near Svalbard with new equipment. The attempt was stopped by NATO forces, including those of Norway and the United Kingdom.
Reuters sources say that the Russian Directorate for Subsea Operations ordered deep diving mini submarines to test disabling underwater infrastructure near the Svalbard island, located in the Arctic and belonging to Norway. The Russian operation took place in April this year was reportedly supported by three of its naval vessels, and an attack submarine.
A Norwegian P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and a frigate were among those who were scrambled to stop the Russian operations, Reuters says. The British Royal Navy reportedly sent a frigate and multiple aircraft. The new details have been disclosed by British Defence Minister John Healey, who also said the United States was involved in NATO’s counter operation. | © 2026 Marcel Burger, nordicreporter.com. Photo: A Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35 and P-8 Poseidon near Andøya, 12 March 2025 (Photo: Thomas Haraldsen/Forsvaret)