It’s not every day that a Russian submarine makes an appearance near British shores, but when it does, the Royal Navy is ready to respond.
Over the past few days, that readiness was put into action as one of Vladimir Putin’s stealthy underwater war machines was quietly lurking near UK waters.
Russian Submarine Spotted in the English Channel
The submarine in question? The RFN Novorossiysk, a heavily armed Kilo-class vessel known for its quiet movement and deadly arsenal.
It was first detected moving through the North Sea before heading into the English Channel — dangerously close to British territorial waters.
HMS Mersey Jumps Into Action
As soon as the submarine was picked up on sensors, the Royal Navy deployed the patrol ship HMS Mersey from Portsmouth to intercept and monitor its path.
Mersey, which has a crew of around 50 sailors, tracked the Russian sub as it traveled west, maintaining a close watch on its movements.
Air Support Joins the Mission
But the operation didn’t stop there. A Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron and a highly specialized submarine-hunting Merlin aircraft from 824 Naval Air Squadron were also sent into the skies.
Together with Mersey, they formed a high-tech trio, using advanced sonar and tracking systems to shadow not only the submarine but also its companion tug boat, Yakov Grebelski, a Goryn-class vessel.
Sixth Sighting in Three Months
This isn’t an isolated incident either. In fact, it’s the sixth time in just three months that HMS Mersey has been dispatched to shadow Russian naval activity near UK waters.
Only last week, the ship was involved in another operation alongside HMS Duncan and HMS Trent, monitoring the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich and the corvette Boikiy as they passed close by.
Royal Navy Speaks Out
Commenting on the latest interception, Mersey’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Dan Wardle, emphasized the importance of these missions.
“This operation is another clear demonstration of the Royal Navy’s enduring commitment to safeguarding the United Kingdom’s maritime interests,” he said.
“Monitoring the transit of naval vessels through our area of responsibility remains a fundamental task; one that ensures we maintain situational awareness and the ability to respond swiftly when required.”
Wardle also praised his crew, adding: “I am proud of my ship’s company, whose professionalism, cohesion, and constant readiness continue to reflect the high standards expected of Royal Navy personnel.”
A Strategic Move Amid Broader Concerns
These routine tracking missions are more than just drills — they’re part of a broader government effort to monitor and protect UK maritime zones.
Concerns have been mounting that Russia could be using disguised merchant ships or spy vessels — a so-called “shadow fleet” — to target and potentially sabotage critical underwater infrastructure like power cables and communication lines.
Valuable Training for Royal Navy Aircrew
For the team flying the Merlin helicopter from RNAS Culdrose, this wasn’t just a national defense mission — it was also a learning opportunity.
Commander Alex Kelley, who leads 824 Naval Air Squadron, explained that the experience was vital for younger aircrew still undergoing training.
“This opportunity allowed 824 NAS to expose junior aircrew, currently conducting training on the Merlin Mk2 Operational Conversion Unit, to reactive operations in cooperation with HMS Mersey to protect UK waters,” he said.
Handover to NATO and Return to Base
As the Russian vessels eventually moved out of UK jurisdiction, HMS Mersey handed off monitoring duties to NATO allies in nearby waters.
Meanwhile, the Merlin and Wildcat aircraft returned to their home bases in Culdrose, Cornwall, and Yeovilton, Somerset, respectively.
Russia’s Movements Under Close Watch
While the presence of Russian military vessels in the area is not unprecedented, every encounter like this underscores the importance of vigilance.
The Royal Navy continues to monitor such activity closely, ensuring that the UK’s shores — and the vital underwater infrastructure beneath them — remain protected.
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