1 month ago
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A ROYAL Navy destroyer has been deployed alongside NATO allies to tail a Russian warship in the Channel.
Activated by NATO’s Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), HMS Duncan rushed to shadow Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov.
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The Portsmouth-based Type 45 destroyer was joined by NATO allies on a 48-hour operation.
NATO Maritime Command said: “We are watching.
“HMS Duncan shadowed destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov through the English Channel during a 48-hour mission.
“A Royal Navy Wildcat joined Dutch and French forces to monitor the Russian ship in a strong show of Allied cooperation and readiness in our region.”
HMS Duncan utilised her advanced systems to intercept the Russian vessel in the North Sea.
She then monitored its journey westward through the Channel towards the island of Ushant, located off the French coast.
A Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron provided air support alongside a Dutch Air Force NH90, as well as the French Navy.
The Ministry of Defence said the operation “underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding UK waters and protecting national security through the Plan for Change.”
This is the first time a Royal Navy warship has been tasked directly by NATO command to monitor a Russian vessel.
This represents a big step forward in Allied maritime cooperation.
Armed forces minister Al Carns said: “The Royal Navy stands ready to respond to any Russian Naval activity.
“They conduct constant monitoring operations to safeguard Britain and our territorial waters.
“Once again the Royal Navy has deployed under Allied Maritime Command underpinning our unwavering solidarity with NATO to counter Russian activity.”
HMS Duncan’s Commanding Officer, Commander Dan Lee, said: “This operation highlights the Royal Navy’s commitment to safeguarding UK waters and working seamlessly with our NATO allies to ensure the security of our shared maritime spaces.
“The close coordination between UK, French and Dutch forces demonstrates the strength of our alliance and our ability to respond collectively to any activity in our region.
“Tracking and escorting the Vice Admiral Kulakov through UK waters was a clear example of NATO’s interoperability in action.
“The professionalism and teamwork displayed by all involved ensured the operation was conducted safely and effectively, showcasing our shared resolve to uphold international maritime norms.”
HMS Duncan is part of NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 1.
This is the task force responsible for patrolling northern European waters.
HMS Somerset is also operating under MARCOM control, operating further north.
The Type 23 frigate regularly conducts security patrols in the Greenland-Iceland-UK gap.
This incident comes amid growing geopolitical tensions across Europe.
NATO and its members are becoming increasingly wary of Russia’s grey-zone warfare – a style of combat that blurs the lines between peace and conflict.
Vladimir Putin has been accused of steadily increasing the number of drone incursions into neighbouring countries, while using cyber inference to target domestic infrastructures.
English (US) · 