Royal Navy and RAF on High Alert as Russian Ships and Jets Loom Near UK Waters
The Royal Navy and RAF have been on full alert, tracking Russian naval and air activity just off British shores over the past week. HMS Iron Duke and HMS Tyne have been tailing four Russian vessels as they cut through the English Channel and North Sea, while RAF Typhoons scrambled to intercept Russian Bear-F bombers buzzing near UK airspace.
RAF Jets Scramble to Meet Russian Bear-F Bombers
On September 11, two RAF Typhoons launched from RAF Lossiemouth to intercept two Russian Bear-F aircraft operating close to the UK. Supported by a Voyager tanker from RAF Brize Norton, the Typhoons shadowed the bombers under NATO command. Although the Russian planes stayed in international airspace, the RAF ensured they left the UK’s Flight Information Region promptly.
Part of the UK’s Quick Reaction Alert, these Typhoons stand ready 24/7 to defend British airspace from any threats. Defence Secretary John Healey praised the forces’ vigilance:
“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.”
HMS Iron Duke Tracks Russian Sub through Dover Strait
Portsmouth-based frigate HMS Iron Duke was at the forefront of a six-day NATO-backed maritime operation. It shadowed the Russian Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and its support vessel Evgeny Churov as they sailed through the Dover Strait into the Atlantic. The mission began early September with Canadian warship HMCS Shawinigan escorting the Russian vessels before HMS Iron Duke took over.
The Royal Navy kept close tabs on the submarine using onboard sensors and a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron — with the Novorossiysk staying surfaced throughout. Once the group left UK waters, the French frigate FS Auvergne took over monitoring duties off France’s northwest coast.
Continued Vigilance as Russian Ships Head Past France
After the submarine operation, HMS Iron Duke tracked the Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoiky and tanker MT Yaz in the North Sea, passing the baton from Belgian patrol vessel BNS Castor. HMS Tyne then took charge as the Russian ships moved past northwestern France.
Commander David Armstrong of HMS Iron Duke said:
“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.”
Steadfast Defence of UK Waters
These operations, conducted under the right of innocent passage, underline the Royal Navy’s crucial role in safeguarding Britain’s sovereign waters and critical infrastructure. With Russian naval and air forces probing UK borders, the Navy and RAF remain resolute, standing guard against any threat to national security.
