British vessels shadow Russian warship off coast

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.”