Multiple British naval ships track Russian vessels around UK

The Royal Navy deployed four ships and supporting aircraft to monitor Russian naval activity in UK waters over a ten-day period.

HMS Somerset, HMS St Albans, HMS Mersey and RFA Tideforce were involved in operations to shadow multiple Russian vessels, including a surfaced submarine, as they transited the English Channel and North Sea.

The activity formed part of coordinated NATO monitoring, with British ships and aircraft maintaining close surveillance of the Russian group as it moved through waters close to the UK, according to the Royal Navy.

HMS Mersey was activated several times between 29 March and 7 April to track vessels including the frigate Admiral Grigorovich, landing ship Aleksandr Shabalin and Kilo-class submarine Krasnodar. The patrol vessel worked alongside a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron and tanker RFA Tideforce.

Elsewhere, HMS Somerset intercepted the Udaloy-class destroyer Severomorsk and its accompanying oiler near the French coast before tracking the group through the Channel and into the North Sea using onboard sensors and a Merlin helicopter.

HMS St Albans later joined the operation as part of a planned handover, with Somerset preparing to begin an extended deployment in the North Atlantic focused on submarine monitoring and protection of critical undersea infrastructure. The Royal Navy said the operation reflects a sustained increase in Russian naval activity around the UK in recent months, with British forces maintaining a high-readiness posture to monitor and respond to such movements.

Lieutenant George Hage, Executive Officer of HMS Mersey, said the ship routinely operates to protect UK waters and monitor activity. “Our ability to provide a presence to monitor the Russian activity in UK water is no small feat especially with such an increase in activity over the last few months,” he said.

“We are very proud to be part of the Royal Navy’s commitment to the maritime security of the United Kingdom. Working with our NATO allies continues to highlight the teamwork and strength behind the NATO alliance.”

The activity took place under Operation Ceto, the UK’s standing task focused on protecting the strategic deterrent and tracking submarine movements in the North Atlantic. The Royal Navy added that cooperation with allied ships and aircraft, including Belgian, French and Dutch units, was key to maintaining continuous monitoring of the Russian vessels throughout their transit.