Royal Navy warships have shadowed a Russian task group returning from Syria in UK waters.
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The Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset, along with the minehunter HMS Cattistock, the replenishment tanker RFA Tidesurge, and Royal Navy helicopters, tracked every movement as four Russian vessels transported cargo from the Eastern Mediterranean through the English Channel and the North Sea.
The Russian vessels involved in the operation included the destroyer RFN Severomorsk, the landing ship RFN Alexander Shabalin, and two transport ships, MV Sparta IV and MV Siyanie Severa.
HMS Somerset and its Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron began escorting the Russian task group on Sunday, March 16, south of Portsmouth, after the tanker RFA Tidesurge had monitored the destroyer in the North Sea and the Dover Strait. The Royal Air Force (RAF) also deployed a P8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth, gathering vital intelligence as the Russian ships made their journey.
The Udaloy-class destroyer Severomorsk rendezvoused with the transport and landing ships at the western end of the English Channel, near Cornwall, where the minehunter HMS Cattistock was already tracking the Russian group’s movements.
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard stated: “Russia should have no doubt that the UK will defend its waters. I am grateful to all personnel who have shadowed this Russian convoy. National security is at the heart of the Government’s Change Plan, and ensuring freedom of navigation supports our economy.”
As the Russian ships moved east through the Channel and North Sea toward the Baltic, Royal Navy vessels deployed advanced sensors and launched Merlin and Wildcat helicopters to report every movement.
HMS Somerset’s commanding officer, Commander Joel Roberts, highlighted: “In the past few days, HMS Somerset has escorted Russian warships through UK waters in resolute support of our national priorities. As always, the ship’s company demonstrated outstanding professionalism in conducting the operation, integrating and coordinating with other ships, helicopters, and maritime patrol aircraft, including those of our NATO allies.”
NATO allied warships also joined the operation, ensuring that the Russian transit was closely monitored throughout its return from Syria. This marks the third Royal Navy operation in six weeks shadowing separate Russian task groups returning from the region.
This latest escort mission comes just two weeks after another similar operation, where HMS Somerset monitored the corvette RFN Boikiy as it escorted the merchant ship Baltic Leader on its journey from the Mediterranean.
The UK heavily relies on maritime imports and exports, making the protection of its waters and areas of interest crucial for national economic security and growth.
Images: Instagram @royalairforceuk. Source: Royal Navy. This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
