RN shadows seven Russian warships off UK coast
The UK RN confirmed on 26 March that it has been shadowing seven Russian naval vessels in the English Channel and North Sea following ‘unusually high levels of activity’.
Tasked with tracking and monitoring the Russian fleet were the Type 23 frigates HMS Kent, HMS Sutherland, HMS Argyll and HMS Richmond. Additionally, OPVs HMS Tyne and HMS Mersey along with the Tide-class RFA Tideforce (pictured), RFA Tidespring and HMS Echo were sent to support the mission.
Two Fleet Air Arm squadrons (814 and 815 Naval Air Squadrons) also contributed Merlin and Wildcat naval helicopters.
The Russian vessels included three Steregushchiy-class corvettes, two Ropucha-class landing ships and two Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates, supported by auxiliary ships and tugs.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Metal Shark starts production on HSMUSVs as US shipyard targets further Caribbean orders]()
Metal Shark starts production on HSMUSVs as US shipyard targets further Caribbean orders
The US shipyard’s new High Speed Maneuverable Unmanned Surface Vessel (HSMUSV) will have a range of more than 500 nautical miles.
-
![ST Engineering to supply the Republic of Singapore Navy with counter-mine systems]()
ST Engineering to supply the Republic of Singapore Navy with counter-mine systems
Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering) will supply uncrewed naval systems and supporting command and control equipment to support counter-mine operations with deliveries expected to begin in 2027.
-
![SOF Week 2025: SubSea Craft introduces MARS USV]()
SOF Week 2025: SubSea Craft introduces MARS USV
The MARS platform was built be a low-signature, multi-role, mission-configurable capability.
-
![US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms]()
US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
-
![US Navy expands GARC sUSV deployment]()
US Navy expands GARC sUSV deployment
The small, unmanned surface vehicle will operate this year in multiple operations and military exercises worldwide.
-
![Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines]()
Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines
The contract was awarded to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). As well as for the building of the boats, contract money will also go towards improving productivity at the shipyards, workforce support and other investment.
