The UK Ministry of Defense has revealed that the Royal Navy shadowed several Russian naval vessels including a submarine traversing the English Channel during the past week. 

This operation occurred amid heightened geopolitical tensions between the UK and Russia and was outlined in a Ministry of Defence (MOD) press release on September 13.

The MOD reported that over six days, the Royal Navy shadowed four Russian naval ships, including a Kilo-class submarine, the Novorossiysk, and its support vessel, the Evgeny Churov.

This surveillance was part of a coordinated effort involving NATO allies, starting with the Canadian warship HMCS Shawinigan, which initially escorted the Russian vessels from the Baltic Sea across the North Sea.

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Upon nearing the Dover Strait, responsibility for the operation transitioned from the Canadian patrol ship to the Portsmouth-based frigate HMS Iron Duke.

Utilizing its advanced sensors and the Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron, HMS Iron Duke maintained a constant watch on the Russian submarine and its support ship.

The MOD explained that the submarine remained on the surface throughout the operation, which facilitated the Royal Navy’s monitoring efforts.

Following the Russian vessels’ departure from UK waters, HMS Iron Duke transferred its shadowing duties to the French Navy. The French frigate FS Auvergne took over the operation off the northwest coast of France.

Images show British frigate HMS Iron Duke shadowing the Russian Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and its tug, Evgeny Churov, as they sailed through the English Channel and into the Atlantic Ocean.

The HMS Iron Duke then returned to the North Sea to oversee a new Russian group, which included the Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoiky and the tanker MT Yaz.

The Belgian Navy’s patrol vessel BNS Castor had first tracked these vessels before HMS Iron Duke took charge. Subsequently, the Royal Navy’s HMS Tyne assumed monitoring responsibilities off northwestern France.

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Throughout these operations, the Russian warships and their support vessels were closely watched to ensure they adhered to international laws, specifically the right of innocent passage through UK waters, according to the UK.

The MOD explained that such movements were legally permissible. “The Russian warships and their support vessels were closely monitored by UK forces to make sure they acted in a safe and non-threatening manner,” added the Ministry of Defense.

Commanding Officer of HMS Iron Duke, Commander David Armstrong, said, “These were the fourth and fifth such operations for HMS Iron Duke since we emerged from a period of intense training in July, and I am extremely proud of the professionalism and selfless dedication that my ship’s company consistently display as they perform their duty.”

RAF Typhoons Intercept Russian Aircraft

In a separate operation, RAF Typhoon jets were deployed under NATO command to intercept two Russian Bear-F aircraft operating near the UK.

According to a Ministry of Defence press release, the jets, working closely with allied forces, successfully escorted the Russian planes out of the UK’s Flight Information Region without the Russian aircraft entering British sovereign airspace.

“Typhoons are part of the RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert, which sees aircraft in Scotland and England at high readiness 24/7, 365 days a year, ready to defend and protect UK airspace,” the UK MoD said.

The incident comes amidst growing tensions between Russia and Britain, driven by the ongoing war in Ukraine and Britain’s continued support for Kyiv.

Earlier this week, Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and a prominent Kremlin figure, issued a provocative statement threatening to “sink” Britain. He asserted, “The island called Britain is likely to sink in the next few years,” and added that Russia’s hypersonic missiles could make that happen “if necessary.”

Moreover, on September 13, Russia accused six British diplomats of espionage and revoked their accreditation. This move occurred as Western leaders deliberated over allowing Ukraine to target Russian military sites with long-range Western weapons.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia alleged that the British Foreign Office was involved in coordinating the political and military situation in Ukraine, aiming for Russia’s defeat in the war.

According to the FSB, the British diplomats were “threatening the security of the Russian Federation.” The British Foreign Office firmly rejected these accusations, calling them “completely baseless.”

It clarified that Russia had already revoked the diplomats’ accreditation as retaliation for prior British actions in response to Russian activities across Europe and the UK. The Foreign Office stood by its stance, stating, “We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests.”

The escalating rhetoric and actions highlight the increasing strain in relations between the two nations as the war in Ukraine continues.

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