The Royal Navy has maintained continuous surveillance of a Russian warship in UK waters for an entire month, marking a significant operation to safeguard national security.
The frigate Admiral Grigorovich was tracked by patrol ships HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey, and HMS Severn throughout April as it sailed west of the UK and in the North Sea, including near the Galloper wind farm off the Suffolk coast.
Operation Details
A Royal Navy spokesman confirmed: "Patrol ships HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey, and HMS Severn, tanker RFA Tideforce, and Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron tracked the Russian Navy’s Admiral Grigorovich throughout April."
"There was not one day last month when the Russian warship, her supporting vessels, or the ships she was tasked with escorting was not closely watched by Royal Navy air or sea power."
The Grigorovich moved between the North Sea and Western Approaches, escorting Russian-flagged vessels heading to and from the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Baltic. During the month, she accompanied one submarine and around six merchant and support vessels. The frigate also paused to take on fuel and supplies near key national infrastructure, including the Galloper wind farm off the Suffolk coast.
Commander's Remarks
Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse praised the crews for their "professionalism, resilience, and operational readiness." He added: "Royal Navy units deployed swiftly to ensure the continuous and seamless monitoring of Russian warships, with multiple assets operating in close coordination to maintain an unbroken posture."
"This sustained effort reflects the Royal Navy’s ability to generate combat-credible forces at readiness, delivering persistent maritime security through leadership, teamwork, and operational excellence."
The operation underscores the UK's commitment to protecting its waters and critical infrastructure amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
