Royal Navy launches 5-day op as 'intelligence gathering' Russian ship seen in UK waters

Royal Navy warships and helicopters were activated for the second time this month after an 'intelligence gathering' ship was spotted in waters. HMS Dragon monitored Russian intelligence gathering ship Yuri Ivanov as it loitered in waters off the Outer Hebrides following the completion of major exercise Formidable Shield that took place nearby.

A five-day operation which began on May 18 tracked Russian vessels and escorted them through the 's sea-lanes, the said - following the launch of HMS Tyne three weeks ago. Warships and helicopters were activated in a bid to “ensure the security and integrity of the UK’s critical sea-lanes”, Lieutenant Commander James Bradshaw said.

HMS Dragon, a destroyer based in Portsmouth, launched a Merlin helicopter to collect aerial information until the Yuri Ivanov headed back home towards its base in the Arctic. Three Russian vessels, two cargo boats and a warship - RFN Stoikiy - were shadowed during the operation.

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The Stoikiy was spotted sailing west through the Channel on May 18 to meet with two Russian-flagged merchant ships - the Sparta IV and General Skobelev - while they returned from the Mediterranean.

Royal Navy minehunter HMS Ledbury was first to intercept, shadowing the corvette through the Dover Strait late on May 18. The next morning, HMS Hurworth picked up the watch off the coast of Brighton, trailing the Russian warship as it met the cargo vessels south-west of Land’s End.

The trio then turned east, retracing their path into the North Sea - one of the ’s busiest shipping lanes - all under the watchful eyes of the Royal Navy and NATO allies.

A Merlin Mk2 helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron kept eyes in the sky during the eastbound leg, coordinating with allied aircraft and warships as the group continued into the North Sea. The warship subsequently escorted the two cargo ships eastbound, watched by HMS Hurworth, also based in Portsmouth.

The operation wrapped up on the afternoon of May 22, capping five days of heightened naval vigilance amid ongoing concerns over Russian naval activity near Western waters.

Lieutenant Patrick Bingham said: “This operation was all in a day’s work for the ship’s company, who have shown great professionalism. We have kept a constant watch to ensure the security and integrity of the UK’s critical sea lanes.”

Lieutenant Commander Craig Clark, commanding officer of HMS Ledbury, added: “Escorting Russian vessels through UK waters is a vital demonstration of our unwavering commitment to national security.”