One of Russia's leading warships has been shadowed for weeks by a string of Royal Navy vessels amid growing tension between the UK and the Kremlin.
For an entire month, the frigate Admiral Grigorovich has been watched by patrol ships HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey, and HMS Severn as it sailed off the UK coast.
The tense operation lasted for the whole of April and took place west of the UK and in the North Sea, including close to the Galloper wind farm off the Suffolk coast. Sources have said it was one of the most intense shadowing operations undertaken by the Royal Navy in the past decade as Russia has upped its threat level to the UK.
Royal Navy Response
A Royal Navy spokesman said: "Patrol ships HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey, and HMS Severn, tanker RFA Tideforce, and Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron tracked the Russian Navy's Admiral Grigorovich throughout April. There was not one day last month when the Russian warship, her supporting vessels, or the ships she was tasked with escorting was not closely watched by Royal Navy air or sea power."
The spokesman added: "The Grigorovich moved between the North Sea and Western Approaches, escorting Russian-flagged 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 frigate also paused to take on fuel and supplies near key national infrastructure, including the Galloper wind farm off the Suffolk coast.
Broader Context of Russian Activity
The operation emerged as Russia increasingly uses its air force and navy vessels to test NATO reaction times and methods to its incursions close to European countries.
Last month, UK and Norwegian forces intercepted a month-long covert operation by three Russian submarines, including Akula-class and GUGI (Main Directorate for Deep-Sea Research) vessels. They were caught surveying critical underwater data and energy cables north of the UK. The mission is believed to have been aimed at hostile reconnaissance or potential sabotage but was monitored and caused no damage.
At the time, UK Defence Secretary John Healey delivered a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin: "We see your activity over our cables and our pipelines, and you should know that any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences."
In recent years, Russian spy planes have many times made incursions towards UK air space and were shooed off by British warplanes. These operations have involved UK Typhoons being scrambled to head off the Russian planes suspected of spying on the UK.
Fleet Commander's Statement
Talking about the latest operation, Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse said the crews "demonstrated professionalism, resilience, and operational readiness." He added: "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."
