Royal Navy Shadows Russian Sub in Channel Amid UK-Russia Tensions
Royal Navy frigate HMS Iron Duke monitored a Russian submarine in the English Channel, while RAF intercepted Russian aircraft. These operations highlight UK's vigilance amid strained relations with Russia.
In early September 2024, the Royal Navy demonstrated its commitment to maritime security by shadowing a Russian submarine through the English Channel. The Type 23 frigate HMS Iron Duke, launched in 1991, monitored the Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and its supporting tug as they traversed the Channel and North Sea.
The operation began when the Canadian warship HMCS Shawinigan, a Kingston-class coastal defence vessel, escorted the Russian vessels from the Baltic Sea across the North Sea. As the submarine approached the busy Dover Strait, the narrowest part of the English Channel, HMS Iron Duke took over monitoring duties.
The Portsmouth-based frigate utilized its Wildcat helicopter and 815 Naval Air Squadron to maintain constant surveillance. Throughout the operation, the Russian submarine remained on the surface, adhering to international maritime laws.
HMS Iron Duke also monitored two additional Russian vessels in the North Sea near Dover: the Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoiky and tanker MT Yaz. The River-class offshore patrol vessel HMS Tyne later assumed responsibility for tracking these ships off northwestern France.
It's important to note that these Russian naval movements are permitted under international law, specifically the right of innocent passage, which allows ships to pass through territorial waters peacefully.
In a separate incident on September 11, 2024, the Royal Air Force (RAF) responded to Russian air activity. Two Typhoon fighter jets, twin-engine multirole fighters, were scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. Supported by a Voyager tanker from RAF Brize Norton, the largest RAF station in Oxfordshire, they intercepted two Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers, known by the NATO reporting name "Bear F".
These maritime and air operations occur against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the UK and Russia, primarily due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The situation has prompted discussions about increased support for Ukraine, with the UK Foreign Secretary advocating for providing necessary weapons to aid Kyiv's position before a crucial winter period of fighting.
John Healey, the Defence Secretary, commended the actions of both the Royal Navy and RAF, 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."
As these events unfold, talks between Sir Keir Starmer and Joe Biden at the White House on September 13, 2024, are expected to include discussions on potentially allowing Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets.
These recent operations underscore the UK's vigilance in protecting its sovereign waters and airspace, while also highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
