The Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and RAF have worked together over the past week to monitor two Russian naval task groups transiting near UK waters, according to a Royal Navy news update.
These operations included warships, support vessels, helicopters, and long-range maritime patrol aircraft as part of a coordinated effort to maintain security at sea.
One of the task groups was led by Admiral Golovko, the Russian Navy’s newest Admiral Gorshkov-class frigate, commissioned less than a year ago. The frigate was accompanied by the oceanographic research vessel Yantar and the tanker Vyazma as they passed through the North Sea and English Channel en route to the Atlantic.
British forces, including the Portsmouth-based frigate HMS Iron Duke and RFA Tideforce, shadowed the group, taking over from the Norwegian Navy’s earlier monitoring efforts. After escorting the vessels through the Channel, the Royal Navy handed over duties to the French Navy.
Meanwhile, the Yantar remained under observation within the UK’s area of interest. HMS Cattistock, a Portsmouth-based minehunter, tracked its movements closely, ensuring the vessel adhered to international norms.
The second Russian group, comprised of the frigate Neustrashimy and the tanker Akademik Pashin, headed towards their home port in the Baltic. HMS Iron Duke shadowed this group back through the Channel and into the North Sea before handing over to NATO partner HNLMS De Ruyter, a Dutch warship, to continue escorting them to the Baltic.
Commander David Armstrong, HMS Iron Duke’s Commanding Officer, praised his crew for their work, stating in the news release, “Having been heavily involved in this type of operation for the last six months, we’re glad to be back at it – protecting the integrity of our territorial waters and critical national infrastructure.”
Throughout the operation, Iron Duke utilised her Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron, a Merlin from 814 Naval Air Squadron, and support from an RAF P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Allied aerial assets also contributed, demonstrating a well-coordinated effort to ensure all Russian movements were monitored.
Reflecting on the timing of the operation, Commander Armstrong added, “It was a poignant moment conducting our own service during Remembrance Sunday while on task—no better way to honour our fallen than to do our duty.”
