Russian warships and aircraft intercepted by British forces

The Royal Navy and RAF have been actively involved in the interception and monitoring of Russian military movements near UK waters.

Four Russian naval vessels were closely shadowed by HMS Iron Duke and HMS Tyne, while RAF jets scrambled to intercept Russian Bear-F aircraft operating near UK airspace, according to a Ministry of Defence press release.

Readers should be aware that the aircraft did not enter UK airspace.

HMS Iron Duke, a Portsmouth-based Type 23 frigate, took part in a six-day operation, during which it shadowed the Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and its supporting tug Evgeny Churov as they passed through the Dover Strait into the Atlantic. The operation began in early September, with Canadian warship HMCS Shawinigan initially escorting the Russian submarine from the Baltic Sea through the North Sea, before handing over monitoring duties to the Royal Navy. HMS Iron Duke tracked the Russian vessels throughout their passage in UK waters, using a variety of sensors, including its Wildcat helicopter, to maintain constant watch.

Once the Russian vessels exited UK waters, HMS Iron Duke handed over surveillance responsibilities to the French Navy’s frigate FS Auvergne off the northwest coast of France. This marked the end of one mission, but HMS Iron Duke was quickly called into action again to shadow the Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoiky and tanker MT Yaz as they approached Dover. This second mission involved coordination with Belgian patrol vessel BNS Castor before HMS Iron Duke again passed monitoring duties to HMS Tyne as the Russian ships continued their journey.

The RAF’s role in the operation saw two Typhoon jets launched from RAF Lossiemouth on 11 September, tasked with intercepting two Russian Bear-F bombers operating near UK airspace. Supported by a Voyager tanker from RAF Brize Norton, the RAF fighters were under NATO command and escorted the Russian aircraft out of the UK’s Flight Information Region. At no time did the Russian bombers enter UK sovereign airspace, with the interception demonstrating the RAF’s high-readiness Quick Reaction Alert capabilities, which operate 24/7 to defend UK skies.

Defence Secretary John Healey praised the professionalism of the UK armed forces, noting their critical role in maintaining national security. “This government is committed to making the UK secure at home and strong abroad. Efforts by the Royal Navy and RAF over the last two weeks demonstrate their selfless commitment to protecting our national security.” Healey also expressed gratitude for the personnel involved in the operation, stating their “professionalism and skill was on full display while working seamlessly with our NATO allies to uphold international standards.”

HMS Iron Duke’s Commanding Officer, Commander David Armstrong, reflected on the mission’s success, stating, “These were the fourth and fifth such operations for HMS Iron Duke since we emerged from a period of intense training in July, and I am extremely proud of the professionalism and selfless dedication that my ship’s company consistently display as they perform their duty.”

He added that maritime security operations of this nature are fundamental to the Royal Navy, emphasising the importance of protecting the UK’s sovereign waters and critical national infrastructure.