Royal Navy ships and aircraft were activated to monitor Russian naval movements in the English Channel during a two-day operation conducted in coordination with NATO allies.
Portsmouth-based patrol vessels HMS Mersey and HMS Severn were deployed alongside a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron as Russian corvette Boikiy and the accompanying oil tanker MT General Skobelev sailed toward the North Sea after returning from the Mediterranean.
HMS Mersey first intercepted the group as it entered the Channel, taking over from NATO allies who had tracked the vessels through the Bay of Biscay. Near the Isle of Wight, both patrol ships operated together with the embarked Wildcat helicopter, using onboard sensors to maintain surveillance and report movements. HMS Severn later continued monitoring the Russian vessels into the North Sea before handing responsibility back to a NATO ally.
Armed Forces Minister Al Carns said the operation demonstrated persistent awareness of Russian naval activity, stating: “With this operation, our sailors have once again sent a message to Putin – we know exactly what his navy is doing.” He added: “Every time a Russian ship comes near the UK, the Navy is ready to track, deter, and defend.”
Lieutenant Commander Dan Wardle, commanding officer of HMS Mersey, said the operation underlined the ship’s readiness, explaining: “This operation provided another opportunity for my Ship’s Company to demonstrate their continued readiness and ability to safeguard the United Kingdom’s maritime interests.” He added that operating alongside HMS Severn and NATO partners “highlight[ed] the strength and unique nature of the relationships between our nations.”
The aviation element was provided by 815 Naval Air Squadron, whose Wildcat helicopter conducted airborne surveillance throughout the transit. Lieutenant Commander Ross Gallagher said: “This activation once again demonstrated the extremely high readiness and professionalism that defines 815 Naval Air Squadron.” He added: “As Russian vessels transited the Channel, we kept the operational picture clear and seamlessly integrated with our colleagues in HMS Mersey and HMS Severn.”
In a separate operation in the Mediterranean, Royal Navy patrol boat HMS Dagger, part of the Gibraltar Squadron, monitored the tanker Grinch, which was later boarded by French forces. The vessel is one of hundreds linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, used to transport sanctioned oil.
Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed UK support to the French operation, stating: “Deterring, disrupting and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for this government.” He added: “Alongside our allies, we are stepping up our response to shadow vessels – to choke off the funds that fuel Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
Ahh, Little Grinch got boarded.
Bless ! 😁
Tidesurge and a Frigate went out yesterday at roughly the same time, just sayin.
I see NL has it that Richmond is done, and that Iron Duke might not come back into service to free up people for Kent. So 5-6 23’s left now?
Yes but with another two gone the Government can claim a higher % of Fleet availability.🙄🤔😁
They must be confident of Glasgow sea trials this year.
Doubt it, think its just that Richmond is beyond shagged at this stage.
Talking of vessels, HMS Richmond is going, just having had NSM fitted?
Meanwhile, the 1SL Grandstands about lots of toys boats that cannot self deploy or project power, and Healey is Grandstanding about Britain’s role in helping the French with a small patrol boat!
Oh, and HMG is pretending that international law overrides domestic law regards screwing over NI vets and that its hands are tied on moral grounds.
No new ships ordered, or even announced that they intend to order them since taking office.
Blair, Brown, Cameron, May, Clegg, all happy making money with zero consequences their way.
No wonder Trump acts like he does, the world sees we just dont seem to take “Defence” seriously beyond a job creation scheme for the MIC and convenient money trough, as jobs is all HMG emphasise when support contracts are announced.
How depressing.
If international law presides over domestic law then surely those ‘letters’ to terrorists can be repealed?
It was either Dagger or the Gosport Ferry but they chose to send Dagger due to the Battleship grey colour.
With frigate numbers so low are we looking at Tamar and Spey being withdrawn from the Pacific to replace Mersey and Severn? A batch 2 River and a Peregrine would be cheaper than launching a Wildcat.
Actually Paul, there are 4 T23’s just sitting around “Up the Trot” not to mention 4 T45’s, POW and Argus, all In all, Portsmouth Is looking pretty full today !
“I see no ships”.
Selection and training crews for Glasgow and Venturer?