Russian spy vessel and warships intercepted by HMS Dauntless and Tyne amid 'persistent' Royal Navy presence
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Three focused operations were conducted across 17 days
Russian intelligence ships and military vessels were tracked down by British warships in UK Waters.
Royal Navy warships and helicopters were scrambled to stalk the Kremlin reconnaissance vessels and warships over 17 days. HMS Dauntless and HMS Tyne, alongside Merlin and Wildcat helicopters, were dispatched on the final days of September and opening fortnight of October.
They reported on the movements of RFN Neustrashimy between October 1 and 14. Vladimir Putin’s frigate escorted sanctioned cargo ships through the English Channel. The Royal Navy said the Russians have been forced to deploy the warship over the last three months “to protect their illegal shipments”.
Since MV Smyrtos was seized in June, more than 500 vessels have been sanctioned. Merlin helicopters were deployed at short notice Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall to Glasgow’s Prestwick Airport for Operation Iceblast.
The aircraft utilised their powerful sensors to keep track of Vishnya-class intelligence-gathering ship Viktor Leonov in the Outer Hebrides. This took place from September 29 to October 8.
The Russian ship was closely monitored by Nato warships taking part in Exercise Strike Warrior off the coast of Scotland. A Kilo-class submarine was spotted in the High North in the midst of HMS Prince of Wales commencing the second phase of Operation Firecrest.
RNAS Culdrose Commanding Officer, Captain James Hall, 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 home 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 RFN Neustrashimy to HMS Dauntless, HMS Tyne intercepted RFN Aleksandr Shabalin between October 11 to 14. The Ropucha-class landing ship was escorting cargo ship MV Energy-2 and the tugboat Proton. Movements were tracked from the English Channel enroute to the Baltic Region.
Sanctioned vessels, usually carrying crude oil and other materials, was being transported to fund Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Chancellor John Healey unveiled in the Budget last week that an extra £10bn of economic and military support is being handed to Kyiv.
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.”
Commander Neil Skinner, Commanding Officer of HMS Dauntless, said: “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."