'Round-the-clock' defence operation sees Royal Navy 'swiftly' deployed to stalk Russian ships for a month

Keen-eyed Royal Navy sailors and aviators were “swiftly” deployed to stalk a contingent of Russian ships.

Portsmouth-based warships HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey and HMS Severn, were among the contingent deployed to monitor the activity of Putin’s ships for a month. Throughout April, the vessels, joined by the tanker RFA Tideforce and Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron, tracked RFN Admiral Grigorovich and other Russian-flagged vessels alongside her.

Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse said British personnel “demonstrated professionalism, resilience and operational readiness”. He said: “Royal Navy units deployed swiftly to ensure the continuous and seamless monitoring of Russian warships, with multiple assets operating in close coordination to maintain an unbroken posture.

“This sustained effort reflects the Royal Navy’s ability to generate combat-credible forces at readiness, delivering persistent maritime security through leadership, teamwork and operational excellence.”

RFN Grigorovich moved between the North Sea and Western Approaches alongside some of Putin’s shadow fleet vessels heading to and from the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Baltic. She accompanied one submarine and around six merchant and support vessels during the month. The Krivak-class frigate paused to take on fuel and supplies near key national infrastructure, including the Galloper wind farm off the Suffolk coast.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer gave the green flag for the armed forces in March to seize shadow fleet vessels carrying sanctioned cargo. This has yet to materialise, but with an increasing occurrence, the Royal Navy has been keeping a watchful eye on Moscow’s military and merchant ships.

Around 250 sailors at sea, supporting aircrew and specialists at the Royal Navy’s operational headquarters at Northwood, Middlesex, maintained constant watch throughout the month. Armed forces minister Al Carns said: “As Russian warships continue to operate near our shores, our Armed Forces are there every day: watching, tracking and ready. This round-the-clock operation sends a clear message: UK waters are protected, our sailors and aircrew are alert, and we will always defend our nation and its vital infrastructure.”

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HMS Tyne spent more time shadowing RFN Grigorovich than any other vessel. Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Sam Fields said: “I’m extremely proud of the ship’s company. Their professionalism underpins our continuous presence in the North Atlantic, supporting our allies and delivering operational effect.”

Lieutenant Commander Dan Wardle, Commanding Officer of HMS Mersey, added: “My team continue to rise to the challenges presented to them. Monitoring the movements of RFN Admiral Grigorovich, ensuring the integrity of our waters remains at the forefront of our priorities. As ever, this is a team effort, and the opportunity to operate with our sister ship HMS Tyne is a fine example of the close relationship we have developed between our units.”

Wildcat helicopters were airborne daily throughout April, including multiple times over the Easter weekend. Their role was to collect valuable intelligence from Putin’s ships. Commander Douglas Keenan, 815’s Commanding Officer, said: “Valuable intelligence collection has taken place alongside monitoring of Russian activity and is a demonstration of Royal Navy presence and resolve. 815 remains on task to carry out this important mission 365 days a year.”

Lieutenant Commander Dom Jacobs, Executive Officer of HMS Severn, said: “I am incredibly proud of the professionalism and determination of the ship’s company in what has been a busy period of operational output. HMS Severn has demonstrated her ability to provide a key maritime presence in safeguarding British Waters.”