Royal Navy warships and RAF jets have been actively shadowing Russian vessels and aircraft near UK waters, in a series of operations aimed at protecting national security, according to a Ministry of Defence press release on 12 September 2024.
HMS Iron Duke and HMS Tyne monitored four Russian naval ships as they passed through the Channel and North Sea.
Meanwhile, RAF Typhoons were scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth to intercept two Russian Bear-F maritime patrol aircraft approaching the UK’s area of interest. Supported by a Voyager aircraft from RAF Brize Norton, the Typhoons were launched under NATO command and worked in coordination with allies. The Russian planes did not enter UK airspace.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “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.”
The Royal Navy began its operation at the start of September, with HMS Iron Duke first shadowing the Russian Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and its supporting tug Evgeny Churov through the Dover Strait and into the Atlantic. The Canadian warship HMCS Shawinigan initially escorted the Russian vessels across the North Sea before handing over duties to HMS Iron Duke.
Once the Russian vessels had passed through UK waters, the monitoring duties were taken over by the French Navy. HMS Iron Duke was then deployed back to the North Sea to shadow the Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoiky and tanker MT Yaz, continuing the pattern of close observation.
Throughout both encounters, UK forces ensured that the Russian warships and their support vessels were monitored to maintain maritime security.
The Russian vessels were permitted to pass under international law, but their movements were carefully tracked to ensure they acted safely and without threat.
Commander David Armstrong, Commanding Officer of HMS Iron Duke, praised his crew’s efforts: “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.”
