Royal Navy Tracks Russian Warships Passing Through UK Waters From Syria

The Royal Navy closely tracked a Russian task group returning from Syria while it transited through the UK waters.

A fleet of British warships, helicopters, and surveillance aircraft monitored the movement of the Russian ships as they passed through the English Channel and the North Sea, ensuring they were under constant observation.

HMS Somerset, a Type 23 frigate, was at the forefront of the operation, supported by minehunter HMS Cattistock, Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Tidesurge, and various Navy helicopters.

The Russian convoy included the Udaloy-class destroyer RFN Severomorsk, the landing ship RFN Alexander Shabalin, and two transport vessels- MV Sparta IV and MV Siyanie Severa-carrying cargo from the Eastern Mediterranean.

The operation began when RFA Tidesurge monitored the Severomorsk in the North Sea and through the Strait of Dover. HMS Somerset and its Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron later picked up the surveillance south of Portsmouth on March 16.

At the same time, the Royal Air Force deployed a P8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth to collect intelligence on the Russian fleet’s movement.

The Russian ships grouped together in the western English Channel, off the Cornwall coast, where HMS Cattistock was already stationed to observe them.

As the fleet continued its journey eastward toward the Baltic Sea, Royal Navy vessels used advanced sensors and deployed helicopters, including the Wildcat, to monitor and report every detail of their transit.

The Commanding officer of HMS Somerset stated that the operation involved close coordination with other Royal Navy ships, helicopters, and NATO allies. He pointed out that integrated air and maritime operations strengthen the UK’s ability to respond to such situations.

Similarly, the Commanding officer of HMS Cattistock stated that his crew had recently completed operational training in western Scotland and was fully prepared for their role in the mission.

This was the third time in six weeks that the Royal Navy had shadowed Russian task groups returning from Syria.

Just two weeks earlier, HMS Somerset had undertaken a similar operation, tracking Russian corvette RFN Boikiy as it escorted merchant vessel Baltic Leader from the Mediterranean.

Reference: Royal Navy

Source: Maritime Shipping News