Royal Navy warships have shadowed a Russian task group as it sailed back from Syria in the English Channel and North Sea, Forces News reports. The Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset and minehunter HMS Cattistock, supported by RFA Tidesurge and naval helicopters, tracked the four Russian ships as they carried cargo back from the eastern Mediterranean.
The Russian ships included destroyer RFN Severomorsk, landing ship RFN Alexander Shabalin and two transport ships, MV Sparta IV and MV Siyanie Severa.
HMS Somerset and a Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron started to trail the Russian task group’s escort, Severomorsk, south of Portsmouth on Sunday after tanker Tidesurge had monitored the destroyer in the North Sea and through the Strait of Dover.
The Udaloy-class Severomorsk met the cargo and landing ships off Cornwall where minehunter, HMS Cattistock, was already monitoring the Russian group.
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard said: “Russia should be in no doubt that the UK will defend our waters. I’m grateful to all the personnel who shadowed this Russian convoy.
“National security is a foundation of the Government’s Plan for Change and ensuring freedom of navigation contributes to our economy.”
The RAF deployed a P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to collect vital information as the Russians travelled onwards.
Commander Joel Roberts, Commanding Officer of HMS Somerset, said: “Over the last few days HMS Somerset has escorted Russian ships through UK waters in resolute support of our national priorities.
“As ever, the ship’s company have shown great professionalism whilst conducting the operation that involved the integration and coordination of other ships, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft, including those from our Nato allies.
“There is strength in a coordinated Nato response, and our unity and ability to deliver integration of air and maritime operations remain some of our greatest assets.”
Commanding Officer of HMS Cattistock, Lieutenant Commander Rob Garner, added: “Cattistock has recently completed a period of Operational Sea Training off western Scotland and my ship’s company are sharp and ready to protect the UK’s security at sea.”
The operation was the third time in six weeks that the Royal Navy has shadowed Russian task groups returning from Syria.
