Royal Navy tracks Russian ships in UK waters
Royal Navy warships tracked Russian vessels through UK waters in an intense 72-hour operation last week.
The update
Royal Navy warships spent three days tracking Russian vessels as they passed through UK waters last week. HMS Duncan, HMS St Albans and HMS Severn used radars to monitor four ships traveling through the North Sea and English Channel, while a Merlin helicopter provided surveillance from above.
Why it matters
This operation highlights increased Russian naval activity near UK waters and demonstrates the Royal Navy’s enhanced monitoring efforts. The First Sea Lord reported that Russian “shadow fleet” vessels are increasingly being forced to change routes, imposing costs and delays. The UK has sanctioned over 500 vessels it claims are part of Russia’s shadow fleet, with naval activity up 25% so far this year compared to 2025.
What to watch
Watch for continued Russian naval movements in the region and how NATO allies coordinate monitoring efforts. The operation follows a June incident where Royal Marines boarded a Russian tanker in the English Channel, the first direct boarding of a shadow fleet vessel by UK forces. The Kremlin has threatened the UK following recent diplomatic visits to Kyiv.
Sources
- bbc.co.uk — confirming details of the tracking operation and First Sea Lord's statement
- theguardian.com — additional context on the operation and Russian response