A Royal Navy destroyer has monitored a Russian warship as it sailed through UK waters in the English Channel. Portsmouth-based HMS Duncan tracked the destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov in an operation that marked a significant milestone for British naval operations.
The deployment represented a "historic first" for the Royal Navy, according to a Navy spokesman. This was the first time a Royal Navy warship operated under direct NATO command for such a monitoring operation, forming part of wider security efforts across northern Europe.
HMS Duncan used its advanced sensors and systems to intercept the Kulakov in the North Sea. The Type 45 destroyer then monitored the Russian vessel's westward passage through the Channel towards the island of Ushant off the French coast.
International coordination
A Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron joined the operation to provide air support and maintain surveillance. The coordinated effort involved three nations, including a Dutch Air Force NH90 and the French Navy.
Al Carns, minister for the armed forces, emphasised Britain's readiness to respond. "The Royal Navy stands ready to respond to any Russian naval activity," he said. "They conduct constant monitoring operations to safeguard Britain and our territorial waters."
Naval leadership perspective
Commander Dan Lee, HMS Duncan's commanding officer, highlighted the operation's significance for NATO cooperation. "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," he said.
Lee praised the multinational coordination involved in the mission. "The close co-ordination between UK, French and Dutch forces demonstrates the strength of our alliance and our ability to respond collectively to any activity in our region," he added.
HMS Duncan is one of two Royal Navy warships currently attached to NATO's Standing Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1). This task force regularly patrols northern European waters as part of the alliance's maritime security operations.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
