Royal Navy intercepts Russian intelligence vessel and warships across three intensive operations

HMS Tyne and HMS Dauntless along with Wildcat and Merlin helicopters were all dispatched to report on Russian movements during the final days of September and opening two weeks of October. Type 45 destroyer Dauntless and patrol ship Tyne were tasked from 1-14 October to report on the movements of RFN Neustrashimy, as the Russian frigate escorted sanctioned cargo ships through the English Channel. The Russians have been forced to deploy the warship over the last three months to protect their illegal shipments, with the UK a strong leader in tackling Russia’s shadow fleet – having sanctioned more than 500 vessels and seized tanker Smyrtos in June. Meanwhile, Merlin helicopters were deployed at short notice from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall to Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Scotland to conduct Operation Iceblast. From 29 September until the 8 October, the Merlins utilised their powerful sensors to keep track of Vishnya-class intelligence-gathering ship Viktor Leonov in the Outer Hebrides. The Russian ship was closely monitoring NATO warships taking part in allied training, Exercise Strike Warrior, off the coast of Scotland that involved more than 2,000 personnel from six nations. Captain James Hall, the commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose, said: “I am immensely proud of the efforts of our people, who have once again demonstrated that the UK is prepared to respond to immediate operational requirements. “This tasking was part of a wider series of operations, known collectively as Operation Iceblast, which was designed to test the ability of Merlin Helicopter Force to deploy away from its base of RNAS Culdrose in force and at short notice. “This operation has been a critical means for demonstrating to ourselves, our adversaries and the nation that we are willing and capable of securing the homeland 24/7. The Merlin Helicopter Force stands ready to answer the call at a moment’s notice.”

After handing over responsibility of Neustrashimy to HMS Dauntless, HMS Tyne was tasked to intercept RFN Aleksandr Shabalin between 11-14 October, as the Ropucha-class landing ship escorted cargo ship MV Energy-2 accompanied by tugboat Proton. Tyne was activated from North Shields to watch every move as the Russians sailed through the English Channel enroute to the Baltic Region and was accompanied by a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron. Lieutenant Commander Sam Fields, HMS Tyne’s Commanding Officer, said: “Operating from the North East to the English Channel in quick succession, HMS Tyne’s recent activations demonstrate the flexibility and enduring utility of our patrol ships. “Maintaining a persistent presence around the UK and beyond, we stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice to protect our nation’s interests. I am proud of my ship’s company for their unwavering professionalism and adaptability.” HMS Dauntless' Commanding Officer, Commander Neil Skinner, added: "The Royal Navy's ability to monitor and respond to activity around the United Kingdom is fundamental to our role in protecting the nation's interests at sea. "HMS Dauntless maintained the close and proficient monitoring of the Russian warship Neustrashimy during her operations within the English Channel, providing reassurance to the UK and our allies whilst contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the maritime environment that surrounds us. "I am immensely proud of the professionalism, dedication and operational readiness displayed by every member of HMS Dauntless throughout this tasking." Working with international partners, the UK continues to target the revenues that fund Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine while reducing Moscow’s ability to threaten European and global security. These operations come after UK announced a package of sanctions designed to stem funding for Putin’s war chest, disrupt disinformation networks and go after those responsible for torturing Ukrainian civilians and deporting Ukrainian children. The measures demonstrate the UK’s determination, alongside partners, to hold those responsible for Russian state aggression against Ukraine to account, constrain the revenues sustaining its war and defend the security of Ukraine, the UK and Europe. While the UK does not seek confrontation with Russia, until Putin chooses to end his senseless and barbaric war, the UK’s support for Ukraine will remain unshakeable. The UK remains fully committed to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and are engaging with key allies in support of this effort, which is why £4.5bn is being spent on military support to Ukraine this year, the largest amount provided to date.

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