A Russian intelligence-gathering vessel was intercepted by Royal Navy aircraft off the coast of Scotland after being detected shadowing a major NATO exercise involving thousands of military personnel.
The Vishnya-class ship Viktor Leonov was monitored while observing warships and aircraft taking part in Exercise Strike Warrior, a Royal Navy-led multinational operation involving more than 2,000 personnel, eight warships and 19 aircraft from six NATO nations.
The ship was tracked between September 29 and October 8 as part of Operation Iceblast, a readiness exercise designed to test the Royal Navy's ability to respond rapidly to emerging threats, according to The Mirror.
Merlin helicopters deployed at short notice
Merlin helicopters were deployed at short notice from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall to Glasgow Prestwick Airport, using advanced sensors to keep watch on the Russian vessel as it operated around the Outer Hebrides.
Captain James Hall, the commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose, said: "I am immensely proud of the efforts of our people, who have once again demonstrated that the UK is prepared to respond to immediate operational requirements. This tasking was part of a wider series of operations, known collectively as Operation Iceblast, which was designed to test the ability of Merlin Helicopter Force to deploy away from its home base of RNAS Culdrose in force and at short notice."
He added: "This operation has been a critical means for demonstrating to ourselves, our adversaries and the nation that we are willing and capable of securing the homeland 24/7. The Merlin Helicopter Force stands ready to answer the call at a moment's notice."
Warships track Russian frigate and landing ship
Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless and patrol ship HMS Tyne reported the movements of RFN Neustrashimy, the lead ship of the Neustrashimy-class frigate of the Russian navy, between October 1 and 14. The Russian frigate had been escorting sanctioned cargo ships through the English Channel.
A Royal Navy statement said: "The Russians have been forced to deploy the warship over the last three months to protect their illegal shipments, with the UK a strong leader in tackling Russia’s shadow fleet – having sanctioned more than 500 vessels and seized tanker Smyrtos in June."
RFN Aleksandr Shabalin, a Russian navy landing ship, was also intercepted by HMS Tyne between October 11 and 14 as the Russian vessel escorted cargo ship MV Energy-2 accompanied by tugboat Proton.
Patrol ship activated from North Shields
The patrol ship Tyne was activated from North Shields to watch every move as the Russians sailed through the English Channel en route to the Baltic Region and was accompanied by a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron, the Royal Navy said.
Lieutenant Commander Sam Fields, HMS Tyne’s commanding officer, said: "Operating from the North East to the English Channel in quick succession, HMS Tyne’s recent activations demonstrate the flexibility and enduring utility of our patrol ships. Maintaining a persistent presence around the UK and beyond, we stand ready to respond at a moment's notice to protect our nation's interests. I am proud of my ship's company for their unwavering professionalism and adaptability."
Commander Neil Skinner, HMS Dauntless' commanding officer, added: "The Royal Navy's ability to monitor and respond to activity around the United Kingdom is fundamental to our role in protecting the nation's interests at sea. HMS Dauntless maintained the close and proficient monitoring of the Russian warship Neustrashimy during her operations within the English Channel, providing reassurance to the UK and our allies whilst contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the maritime environment that surrounds us. I am immensely proud of the professionalism, dedication and operational readiness displayed by every member of HMS Dauntless throughout this tasking."
The Royal Navy said the UK "continues to target the revenues that fund Russia's illegal war in Ukraine". It stated: "While the UK does not seek confrontation with Russia, until Putin chooses to end his senseless and barbaric war, the UK’s support for Ukraine will remain unshakeable. The UK remains fully committed to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and are engaging with key allies in support of this effort, which is why £4.5bn is being spent on military support to Ukraine this year, the largest amount provided to date."
