Royal Navy warships and RAF jets have been actively safeguarding UK national security over the past week, closely monitoring Russian naval and air activities near British waters and airspace.

HMS Iron Duke and HMS Tyne were deployed to shadow four Russian vessels as they sailed through the English Channel and the North Sea. Simultaneously, two RAF Typhoons were scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth on September 11 to intercept two Russian Bear-F aircraft operating near UK airspace, with support from a Voyager tanker from RAF Brize Norton.

The RAF jets were launched under NATO command and worked with international partners to monitor the Russian aircraft, which remained in international airspace and did not enter UK sovereign airspace. The Typhoon fighters escorted the Russian aircraft out of the UK’s Flight Information Region.

The RAF Typhoons are part of the UK’s Quick Reaction Alert, which ensures that aircraft are on standby 24/7 to protect UK airspace. Defence Secretary John Healey praised the Royal Navy and RAF for their tireless work in maintaining national security, stating:

“This government is committed to making the UK secure at home and strong abroad. Efforts by the Royal Navy and RAF over the last two weeks demonstrate their selfless commitment to protecting our national security.”

The Royal Navy’s six-day operation was part of a coordinated effort with NATO allies. Portsmouth-based frigate HMS Iron Duke shadowed the Kilo-class Russian submarine Novorossiysk and its support vessel Evgeny Churov as they sailed through the Dover Strait into the Atlantic. The operation began in early September when Canadian warship HMCS Shawinigan first escorted the Russian vessels across the North Sea before handing over to the Royal Navy as they neared the Dover Strait.

HMS Iron Duke maintained a close watch on the submarine using various sensors, including a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron. The submarine remained on the surface throughout the operation. After the vessels left UK waters, the French frigate FS Auvergne took over monitoring duties off the northwest coast of France.

Following this mission, HMS Iron Duke returned to the North Sea to shadow the Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoiky and tanker MT Yaz, taking over from Belgian Navy patrol vessel BNS Castor. HMS Tyne then assumed monitoring duties as the Russian ships continued past northwestern France.

Commander David Armstrong, Commanding Officer of HMS Iron Duke, expressed pride in his crew’s performance, saying:

“These were the fourth and fifth such operations for HMS Iron Duke since we emerged from a period of intense training in July, and I am extremely proud of the professionalism and selfless dedication that my ship’s company consistently display as they perform their duty.”

These maritime security operations, conducted under the right of innocent passage, are a critical element of the Royal Navy’s role in protecting the UK’s sovereign waters and critical infrastructure.