LONDON (ChatnewsTV) — The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force (RAF) have successfully shadowed multiple Russian naval vessels and intercepted Russian aircraft in a recent show of strength aimed at safeguarding UK national security. Over the past week, four Russian ships passed through the English Channel and the North Sea, while two Russian Bear-F aircraft approached UK airspace, prompting swift responses from British forces.
The six-day naval operation began earlier this month as HMS Iron Duke, a Portsmouth-based frigate, shadowed the Russian Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and its support tug Evgeny Churov. Canadian warship HMCS Shawinigan initially monitored the vessels as they traversed the North Sea before handing duties to the Royal Navy. As the Russian ships entered the Dover Strait, HMS Iron Duke maintained close watch, utilizing its sensors and Wildcat helicopter to track the submarine, which remained on the surface throughout.
The operation continued when Iron Duke handed monitoring duties to the French frigate FS Auvergne as the Russian ships exited UK waters. Shortly after, the British frigate resumed its mission, shadowing the Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoiky and tanker MT Yaz, this time collaborating with the Belgian Navy’s BNS Castor.
“These were the fourth and fifth such operations for HMS Iron Duke since we emerged from a period of intense training in July,” said Commander David Armstrong, the ship’s commanding officer. “I am extremely proud of the professionalism and selfless dedication that my ship’s company consistently display as they perform their duty.”
Meanwhile, two RAF Typhoon jets were scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth on September 11 to intercept Russian Bear-F aircraft nearing the UK’s Flight Information Region. The jets, launched under NATO command, were supported by a Voyager aircraft from RAF Brize Norton. The Russian planes remained in international airspace and were escorted out of the UK area without entering British sovereign territory.
“Efforts by the Royal Navy and RAF over the last two weeks demonstrate their selfless commitment to protecting our national security,” said Defence Secretary John Healey. “Their professionalism and skill were on full display while working seamlessly with our NATO allies to uphold international standards.”
The operations reflect the UK military’s readiness to protect its airspace and territorial waters. The RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert force remains on standby 24/7, 365 days a year, with bases in both Scotland and England prepared to respond to potential threats.
Throughout both naval operations, UK forces monitored the Russian warships to ensure compliance with international law, which permits innocent passage through UK waters.
“Maritime security operations of this nature are a fundamental capability of the Royal Navy,” Commander Armstrong added, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the UK’s waters and critical infrastructure.
These recent actions are a part of ongoing efforts by British forces to protect national security in an increasingly tense international environment.
