In an extraordinary demonstration of the Royal Navy’s unwavering vigilance, British warships and helicopters have once again been tasked with shadowing Russian vessels through the busy and strategic waters of the English Channel. As tensions continue to rise over Russian activity in UK waters, this operation serves as a reminder of the Royal Navy’s readiness to protect Britain’s interests and monitor foreign movements in critical areas.
Recently, the Royal Navy deployed a fleet of ships, including the minehunter HMS Cattistock, along with a Wildcat helicopter, to escort the Russian survey ship Admiral Vladimirskiy as it made its way through the Channel. The mission was not just about monitoring; it was about sending a clear message. The Admiral Vladimirskiy had previously been linked to a covert operation aimed at mapping the UK’s underwater infrastructure, a concerning activity that put the Royal Navy on high alert.
HMS Cattistock worked seamlessly with the Wildcat helicopter to maintain a constant watch over the Russian ship as it navigated the heavily trafficked shipping lanes of the Channel. The operation followed a similar one in recent weeks, where other Royal Navy assets, such as HMS Somerset and tanker RFA Tidesurge, were deployed to monitor a pair of Russian vessels, RFN Alexander Otrakovsky and merchant ship MV Ascalon, as they sailed from the Mediterranean towards the Baltic.
These missions are becoming increasingly common. Just last week, the Royal Navy tracked a Russian task group returning from Syria, and British Defence Secretary John Healey had previously mentioned the monitoring of another Russian survey ship, Yantar, in UK waters. Yantar has long been suspected of gathering intelligence, particularly concerning the UK’s underwater infrastructure, and its movements have sparked concern in Westminster.
To combat this threat, Healey announced changes to the Navy’s rules of engagement, ensuring that British intelligence can now closely monitor ships like Yantar. His message was clear: “We see you, we know what you’re doing, and we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country.”
The Admiral Vladimirskiy had been under close scrutiny for its involvement in a secret mission, allegedly mapping offshore wind farms off the UK and the Netherlands. This covert operation saw the vessel navigating the waters with its transmitter off, heightening suspicions and the need for such vigilant operations by the Royal Navy.
Lieutenant Commander Rob Garner, commanding officer of HMS Cattistock, expressed pride in his crew’s professionalism and dedication. “Cattistock has escorted a number of Russian warships and government-owned vessels through UK waters in recent weeks and months,” he said, highlighting the ship’s key role in demonstrating the Royal Navy’s commitment to national security.
In just one month, HMS Somerset has been deployed three times to track Russian convoys returning from the Mediterranean. Commander Joel Roberts, the ship’s commanding officer, explained the increased tempo of Russian activity, noting, “In maintaining units at very high readiness to respond, the Royal Navy offers presence, deterrence, persistence, flexibility, and can deliver a range of military and diplomatic options to support our national objectives.”
These operations serve as a vital reminder that the Royal Navy remains ever-watchful, ensuring that the waters surrounding the UK stay safe from foreign interference.
