Royal Navy tracks Russian vessels in UK waters

Photo credit: Royal Navy

A Royal Navy warship and helicopter kept constant watch on two Russian vessels in UK waters during a three-day operation alongside NATO allies.

Plymouth-based frigate HMS Iron Duke was dispatched alongside a Wildcat aircraft from Yeovilton’s 815 Naval Air Squadron to monitor frigate RFN Neustrashimy and cargo ship Sparta IV.

The operation is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to safeguard the integrity of UK waters and protecting national security through the government’s Plan for Change.

Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry said: “Russian warships are increasingly transiting through the English Channel. The Royal Navy protects the UK 24/7 to monitor Russian movements, ensuring the security of our waters and undersea cables.

“Alongside our commitment to NATO’s Eastern Sentry, this is a clear demonstration of how the UK stands firm with our NATO allies to deter Russian aggression.

“The Royal Navy’s steadfast dedication and professionalism are essential to safeguarding the UK, and the Government remains committed to providing our Armed Forces with the resources they need to keep us secure at home and strong abroad.”

The Royal Navy utilised powerful radars and sensors to shadow the Russian frigate as it escorted Sparta IV through the North Sea, English Channel to the northwest of France.

Near the island of Ushant, a NATO ally took over monitoring of Sparta IV as it continued towards the Mediterranean, while Iron Duke continued to watch the Soviet-era warship Neustrashimy as it sailed back through the Channel and North Sea towards the Baltic.

This concentrated operation began on 20 September and was completed on 23 September with naval assets from four NATO nations working seamlessly together.

This operation was the 18th time HMS Iron Duke has been activated on such missions in the past 12 months, with the frigate monitoring 25 Russian vessels in that span.

Commanding Officer of HMS Iron Duke, Commander David Armstrong, said: “This type of tasking goes largely unseen, and as a ship’s company we are extremely proud of our direct contribution to the UK’s national interests; more specifically to the security of our energy, data, food and trade and to the country’s Critical National Infrastructure.

“It is important as an island nation to steadfastly safeguard the security of our seas – the Royal Navy is focused and fully committed to the extremely busy military aspects of the broader maritime security mission.”

The Wildcat joined the operation off the South Coast of England after being deployed from Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset, collecting vital information from the air on the Russian naval and merchant ships.