Royal Navy increases monitoring of Russian activity in UK waters
Warships and helicopters deployed for 21 days of operations
The Royal Navy increased its monitoring efforts of Russian activity in UK waters and the North Atlantic, deploying warships and helicopters for a series of operations throughout July.
This heightened activity represented a 25% increase compared to the previous year, with HMS Somerset, HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey, and HMS Severn, which are all based in Portsmouth, sent alongside Wildcat helicopters and Merlin submarine hunting aircraft to track the movements of Russian warships and submarines.
The operations, lasting 21 days, were initiated following the interception of a sanctioned shadow fleet oil tanker, Smyrtos, in the English Channel in June.
The UK has been proactive in tackling the shadow fleet, sanctioning over 500 vessels. This disruption is part of broader strategies aimed at reducing resources that sustain Russia's military activities in Ukraine, amid reports that Russia's oil and gas revenues fell by 24% year-on-year in 2025.
During the operations, Portsmouth-based HMS Tyne was involved when Russian frigate RFN Neustrashimy carried out gunnery firings outside of UK and French territorial waters on 20th July.
The Tyne observed shots from Neustrashimy’s weaponry, remaining five nautical miles away from the firing.
Lieutenant Commander Sam Fields, Commanding Officer of HMS Tyne, said: “Through sustained presence and close cooperation with allies, HMS Tyne was ideally suited to this task, providing reassurance and monitoring while enabling other Fleet units to continue their operational commitments.”
HMS Somerset was tasked as part of a four-month deployment in the North Atlantic, protecting Britain's nuclear deterrent and monitoring submarine activity.
Commander Matt Millyard, Commanding Officer of HMS Somerset, emphasized the deployment's significance: “This deployment demonstrates exactly what the Royal Navy exists to do, protect the UK and our allies from wherever our interests are threatened.”
HMS Severn was twice activated in July to shadow Russian warship activities. She was dispatched on missions to intercept Neustrashimy, tracking its movements alongside shadow fleet tanker MV Vulkan from the Baltic through the Dover Strait.
Lieutenant Commander Dom Jacobs, Executive Officer in Temporary Command of HMS Severn, commented on the adaptability of the ship's crew: “This shows the versatility of my crew and the other OPVs to deliver a range of tasks demonstrating our continued relevance and operational value.”