Royal Navy escorts Russian destroyer through the English Channel

A PAIR of Royal Navy warships have escorted a Russian destroyer through the English Channel.
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Portsmouth-based HMS Westminster, along with patrol ship HMS Tyne, monitored the passage of the Russian warship Vice Admiral Kulakov as it passed south through the English Channel.

Royal Navy sailors and aircrew monitored the Russian warship using radar, sensors, and surveillance cameras, allowing crew members to track the ship’s course and speed.

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Commander Will Paston, the Commanding Officer of HMS Westminster, said: ‘The Royal Navy routinely monitors the passage of warships through the UK’s area of interest as part of its ongoing mission to support the defence of the UK.

‘The Vice Admiral Kulakov conducted itself in a safe and professional manner throughout its transit.’

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HMS Westminster, a Type 23 frigate with a crew of more than 180, is supported by her embarked Merlin helicopter from Culdrose-based 814 Naval Air Squadron.

Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heapey, said: ‘Once again the Royal Navy has proven its ability to maintain the sovereignty of the United Kingdom territorial waters.

Type 23 frigate HMS Westminster (nearest the camera) and Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Tyne (furthest from camera), both based in Portsmouth, escort Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov near Dover.Type 23 frigate HMS Westminster (nearest the camera) and Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Tyne (furthest from camera), both based in Portsmouth, escort Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov near Dover.
Type 23 frigate HMS Westminster (nearest the camera) and Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Tyne (furthest from camera), both based in Portsmouth, escort Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov near Dover.
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‘I am hugely impressed by the professional way the sailors of HMS Westminster and Tyne have responded.’

In February, the Royal Navy carried out a five-day operation to escort four Russian warships through the English Channel.

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