RN shadows seven Russian warships off UK coast
The UK RN confirmed on 26 March that it has been shadowing seven Russian naval vessels in the English Channel and North Sea following ‘unusually high levels of activity’.
Tasked with tracking and monitoring the Russian fleet were the Type 23 frigates HMS Kent, HMS Sutherland, HMS Argyll and HMS Richmond. Additionally, OPVs HMS Tyne and HMS Mersey along with the Tide-class RFA Tideforce (pictured), RFA Tidespring and HMS Echo were sent to support the mission.
Two Fleet Air Arm squadrons (814 and 815 Naval Air Squadrons) also contributed Merlin and Wildcat naval helicopters.
The Russian vessels included three Steregushchiy-class corvettes, two Ropucha-class landing ships and two Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates, supported by auxiliary ships and tugs.
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