A Royal Navy warship has tracked a Russian submarine in the English Channel as part of ongoing NATO efforts to monitor heightened Russian naval activity in European waters.
The Portsmouth-based patrol vessel HMS Tyne was deployed to shadow the Kilo-class submarine Krasnodar, which was making a surfaced transit from the eastern Mediterranean back to Russia.
The operation forms part of a coordinated NATO response to increased Russian maritime movements near allied territory.
Surge in Russian Naval Movements Through UK Waters
The latest mission follows similar operations in recent weeks. HMS St Albans and HMS Mersey were both activated in April to shadow Russian frigates and corvettes transiting through the Channel.
HMS St Albans was deployed twice in the same month, first to monitor the Steregushchiy-class Stoikiy, and later to track the frigate Admiral Golovoko.
Meanwhile, HMS Mersey was tasked with observing the Russian corvette Soobrazitelny as it sailed west.
Monitoring from Sea and Air
As Krasnodar entered the Channel near the French coast, HMS Tyne took over shadowing duties, maintaining a detailed watch before handing responsibility to allied NATO forces once the submarine exited UK waters.
The submarine was also tracked earlier in its route by a Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron, operating with the UK Carrier Strike Group in the Atlantic.
Immediately after the handover, HMS Tyne resumed duties by shadowing the Steregushchiy-class corvette Boikiy, which was passing westward through the busy Dover Strait.
On its return journey to the Baltic, Boikiy was monitored once again by HMS Tyne and 815 NAS, alongside three Russian merchant ships.
Reinforcing National Defence at JEF Summit
The announcement of these operations comes as leaders of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) convene in Oslo, where discussions will focus on bolstering protections for UK and Euro-Atlantic critical infrastructure.
Ministers Praise Swift Royal Navy Response
Luke Pollard, Minister for the Armed Forces, praised Royal Navy personnel: “Our sailors acted swiftly and decisively to a potential Russian threat. I commend their courage, professionalism, and tireless commitment to national security.
This is exactly why we are investing in our armed forces – to ensure Britain remains safe at home and strong abroad.”
Lieutenant Bailey Denyer, Operations Officer on HMS Tyne, added: “Tracking vessels like Krasnodar is part of our daily mission. Protecting UK sovereignty and that of our NATO allies is central to the Royal Navy’s purpose.”
