A Royal Navy destroyer, HMS Duncan, intercepted and monitored a Russian warship as it passed through UK waters, the Navy confirmed on Tuesday.
The Portsmouth-based Type 45 destroyer, operating under NATO Allied Maritime Command, was deployed along with its Wildcat helicopter to shadow the Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov.
According to a Navy spokesperson, it was the first time that a Royal Navy ship was tasked directly under NATO command for such an operation. Monitoring took place between Friday and Sunday in the North Sea and continued as the Russian ship moved west across the English Channel towards Ushant Island off the French coast.
HMS Duncan used its advanced radar and tracking systems throughout the mission, which was carried out in coordination with the NH90 helicopter of the Dutch Air Force and the French Navy. NATO Allied Maritime Command is based in Northwood, Middlesex.
Armed Forces Minister Al Carns said: “The Royal Navy is ready to respond to any Russian naval activity. They carry out constant surveillance operations to safeguard Britain and our territorial waters.”
Commander Dan Lee, Commanding Officer of HMS Duncan, added: “This operation highlights the Royal Navy’s commitment to safeguarding UK waters and working seamlessly with our NATO allies to ensure the security of our shared maritime spaces.”
HMS Duncan is one of two Royal Navy warships attached to NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1), which regularly patrols the waters off northern Europe.
The announcement came shortly after reports that Storm Shadow cruise missiles supplied by Britain were used in a Ukrainian attack on a chemical plant inside Russia. The use of these weapons, first authorized for operations inside Russia last year, is expected to draw fresh condemnation from the Kremlin.
(Heaven News)
READ ALSO TOP STORIES OF Newslodge