Royal Navy vessels have monitored Russian warships legally passing through UK waters, in an operation the Ministry of Defence (MoD) described as a routine part of securing national interests.
HMS St Albans, a Plymouth-based Type 23 frigate, was deployed to track the Russian Navy frigate Admiral Golovoko as it sailed eastward through the English Channel. According to the MoD, HMS St Albans launched a Merlin helicopter to gather information from the air before handing over escort duties to NATO allies as the Russian vessel continued its transit from the Mediterranean.
Elsewhere, HMS Mersey, a patrol ship based in Portsmouth, tracked the Russian corvette Soobrazitelny, with logistical support provided by Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker RFA Tidesurge. In a coordinated effort with the Joint Maritime Security Centre, the Russian tanker Kola was also monitored as it sailed westward.
The Ministry of Defence said the operation “demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring the UK is secure at home and strong abroad,” in line with its Plan for Change.
Commander Matt Teare, Commanding Officer of HMS St Albans, said: “HMS St Albans is at very high readiness to operate whenever, and wherever, the nation needs us in the protection of our home and the waters surrounding it.” He added: “We have twice been activated in recent weeks to conduct this type of operation and I am extremely proud of the professionalism of my crew and their tireless dedication to keeping our nation safe.”
Commander Teare also stressed the importance of allied coordination, stating: “HMS St Albans is currently operating as part of a NATO Task Group and the regularity of Russian activity around the United Kingdom reinforces the vital importance of continuous integration with our allies and partners.”
This operation marked the second deployment of HMS St Albans for shadowing duties this month, following a similar mission involving the Russian corvette Stoikiy.
The tracking operations coincided with HMS Prince of Wales’ departure for its Indo-Pacific deployment as part of Operation Highmast, intended to reinforce the UK’s global security commitments. The Ministry of Defence has said that the deployment of the Carrier Strike Group underlines the government’s focus on ensuring the UK is “secure at home and strong abroad.”
“Secure at home and strong abroad”
“Plan for change:
Same old chestnuts. I remember all the way back to Blair and Brown ranting away at their podium talking of “change.”
Clearly in vogue political speak.
With the size of the military, the state of UK Air Defence, and the ability of migrants to land illegally at will, we are not secure at home at all.
Quite agree Daniele, once more just words again from an inept government. Simply relying on the magnificent professional military we are lucky to have.
Cheers
George