# UK maritime surveillance of Russian naval activity > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-maritime-surveillance-of-russian-naval-activity > Updated: 2026-11-09T11:19:25.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. The United Kingdom has increased its monitoring of Russian military vessels following observations of Russian ships near critical UK undersea infrastructure. The Royal Air Force recently deployed a Protector RG Mk1 unmanned aerial vehicle for the first time to conduct reconnaissance over the English Channel, providing over 10 hours of surveillance in coordination with Royal Navy assets. In response to a reported 25% increase in Russian vessel monitoring, the UK government plans to invest £330 million over four years into maritime intelligence, seabed monitoring, and anti-submarine capabilities. To support these efforts, Kongsberg Maritime has proposed the use of Arctic Hunter unmanned surface vessels. These autonomous platforms are designed to function as sensor hubs to detect submarines, specifically targeting Russian submarine transit routes from the Arctic toward the Atlantic. ## Timeline ### 2026-11-09: Kongsberg Maritime proposes Arctic Hunter drones for Royal Navy Kongsberg Maritime has unveiled the Arctic Hunter, an autonomous vessel designed to detect submarines in the Arctic to support the British Royal Navy’s hybrid fleet requirements. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kongsberg-maritime-proposes-arctic-hunter-drones-for-royal-navy ### 2026-11-01: UK Royal Air Force deploys Protector drone to monitor Russian vessels The UK Royal Air Force deployed the Protector RG Mk1 drone to monitor Russian military vessels in the English Channel, amid rising maritime activity near critical UK undersea infrastructure. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-royal-air-force-deploys-protector-drone-to-monitor-russian-vessels --- Cite as: UK maritime surveillance of Russian naval activity. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-maritime-surveillance-of-russian-naval-activity