Following recent reports and adding to similar actions in previous weeks, Type 23 frigates and support ships of the Royal Navy once again monitored the passage of a Russian Navy Task Group through the English Channel. According to reports, the group was returning from Syria after completing operations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Over the past months, the Royal Navy, along with other European naval forces, has closely tracked the movements of Russian Navy vessels sailing from their home bases in the Baltic and Northern Fleets towards the Mediterranean. Reports have listed surface units, such as destroyers and frigates, as well as logistical support and amphibious assault ships, with particular attention given to the detection of Kilo II-class attack submarines.
In one of the most recent incidents, officially reported on March 19, a Russian Navy Task Group was detected sailing in the Atlantic after completing operations in Syria. As per standard protocol, upon entering the English Channel, the Russian formation was closely followed by a surveillance force comprising ships and aircraft of the UK Armed Forces.
Leading the Royal Navy’s surveillance and monitoring efforts was the Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset, which had previously been deployed for sightings of Russian vessels. It was supported by the minehunter HMS Cattistock and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) support vessel RFA Tidesurge.
In the air, the embarked Merlin helicopter, operating from HMS Somerset and belonging to the 814 Naval Air Squadron, played a key role. It was complemented by RAF P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft deployed from RAF Lossiemouth.
British ships confirmed that the Russian naval formation consisted of the Udaloy-class destroyer RFN Severomorsk, the amphibious assault ship RFN Alexander Shabalin, and the transport vessels MV Sparta IV and MV Siyanie Severa.
Regarding the operation, the Royal Navy stated: “The Udaloy-class Severomorsk joined the cargo and landing ships at the western end of the Channel, off Cornwall, where the minehunter HMS Cattistock was already monitoring the Russian group.”
Additionally, in the words of the Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard: “Russia should have no doubt that the United Kingdom will defend its waters. I thank all personnel who escorted this Russian convoy.”
“National security is a fundamental pillar of the Government’s Change Plan, and ensuring freedom of navigation contributes to our economy,” he added.
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