Kathrine Frich
This was the 17th time the Royal Navy has been activated in just one year.
This was the 17th time the Royal Navy has been activated in just one year.
Royal Navy Shadows Five Russian Vessels
The Royal Navy has had a hectic start to July, confirming it shadowed five Russian vessels over the course of just seven days.
The operations took place in the North Sea and English Channel, prompting rapid responses from British warships and aircraft.
Frigates, Patrol Ships, and Helicopters Scrambled
Three separate operations saw the deployment of HMS Iron Duke, HMS Tyne, and Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron.
The missions underscore the Royal Navy’s readiness amid rising tensions with Russia.
Russian Convoy Monitored Closely Near UK Waters
According to the Royal Navy, the Russian presence included two Steregushchiy-class corvettes, a tanker, a bulk carrier, and a Smolnyy-class training ship.
These ships were all carefully tracked as they moved through or near UK territorial waters.
NATO Allies Join the Effort
British naval units worked in coordination with NATO allies throughout the operations.
A NATO vessel even took over escort duties near the French coast, showcasing the alliance’s collective vigilance in guarding European waters.
HMS Tyne and Iron Duke Escort Russian Training Ship
HMS Tyne and HMS Iron Duke followed a Russian training ship westward through the English Channel before handing over responsibility to a NATO warship near Ushant.
Shadowing Continues with Russian Corvette and Tanker
British forces were later redirected to shadow the Russian corvette RFS Boikiy, which was travelling with the MV Sparta and the tanker General Skobelev.
The three vessels were tracked until they cleared UK waters.
Sea Breeze Exercise Tied to Ukraine Support
The Royal Navy’s operations came as part of a wider NATO exercise called Sea Breeze, aimed at boosting Ukraine’s security in the Black Sea.
Royal Navy divers and mine-clearance teams joined in alongside HMS Iron Duke.
Commander Armstrong: “UK Security Is Our Mission”
HMS Iron Duke’s commanding officer, Commander David Armstrong, said: “This week’s activity highlights our interoperability with NATO allies and our strategic partnership with Ukraine.”
He emphasised the Royal Navy’s role in protecting UK waters and infrastructure.
Fleet Ready Escort Activated for 17th Time in 12 Months
Commander Armstrong also noted that this was the 17th time the Royal Navy has been activated as the Fleet Ready Escort in just one year, praising his crew’s professionalism and commitment to maritime defence.
