The Royal Navy continues to intensify its presence in the North Sea and the English Channel in response to the ongoing transit of Russian Navy vessels in waters near the United Kingdom. Type 23 frigates, patrol vessels, and helicopters were deployed in strategic surveillance operations in coordination with NATO allies.
Between July 1 and 8, the United Kingdom carried out a series of naval operations under the framework of the “Plan for Change,” a government strategy aimed at reinforcing national security and protecting the integrity of its territorial waters. During this period, three distinct missions were activated involving the frigate HMS Iron Duke, the patrol vessel HMS Tyne, a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron, and various NATO allied units.
These operations took place as several Russian ships — among them two Steregushchiy-class corvettes, a tanker, a cargo vessel, and a Smolnyy-class training ship — passed near British waters. According to the UK Ministry of Defence, all movements were closely monitored by British units, and the responsibility for tracking was transferred to allied ships once the Russian vessels left the UK’s area of responsibility.
Constant and strategic surveillance
Commander David Armstrong, in command of HMS Iron Duke, emphasized the importance of these tasks: “Protecting the sovereignty of the United Kingdom and our NATO allies is at the heart of the Royal Navy’s mission. This week highlighted not only our interoperability with allies, but also our strategic commitment to Ukraine through joint exercises like Sea Breeze.”
Indeed, Iron Duke also took part in Exercise Sea Breeze, focused on improving mine countermeasure capabilities in the Black Sea. This exercise involved a dozen allied navies, including Ukrainian teams, in the detection and neutralization of modern underwater threats.
Following a logistical stop in Portsmouth, HMS Iron Duke was redeployed to sea to intercept and monitor the Russian corvette Soobrazitelny, arriving from the eastern Mediterranean and transiting to the Baltic Sea.
Submarines, corvettes, and frigates: A growing russian presence
During the operation, onboard sensors enabled the tracking of the Russian submarine as it moved westward through the English Channel, marking the sixth time in just three months that HMS Mersey has taken part in similar operations. The previous week, British frigates such as HMS Duncan and HMS Trent had already been activated to follow the frigate Admiral Grigorovich and the corvette Boikiy, reflecting a growing pattern of active surveillance in the region.
Commitment to NATO and maritime defense
The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to the Atlantic Alliance by announcing plans to increase defense spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027, with the goal of raising it to 3% during the next parliament. In this context, the return of the frigate Iron Duke to operations after a maintenance period in Devonport symbolizes the operational focus and high readiness of the British fleet.
The recent activities of the Royal Navy not only demonstrate response capability but also determination to protect its critical maritime infrastructure and support strategic allies amid an increasingly complex and competitive geopolitical context.
Images for illustrative purposes only.
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