UK Navy tracked Russian ships off its coast for three days — The Guardian
The operation was conducted last week (photo: t.me/nexta_live)
UK's Royal Navy tracked Russian vessels passing through the country's territorial waters for three days, The Guardian reports.
The extensive 72-hour operation was conducted last week, with radars used to monitor four vessels traveling from the North Sea toward the English Channel.
Fleet surveillance officials said the operation involved HMS Duncan, HMS St Albans and HMS Severn, with support from a Merlin helicopter.
The Guardian reports that the Russian destroyer Admiral Levchenko escorted the sanctioned cargo ships General Skobelev and Sparta. They were heading toward Dover.
In response, Russia deployed its own military assets, including the Neustrashimy frigate, to protect the cargo ships.
Admiral and First Sea Lord Gwyn Jenkins said there was "no room for complacency" as shadow fleet vessels continued to pose an "unacceptable threat" to Britain's security.
"Alongside our allies, this approach is forcing Moscow to divert Russian warships away from their core purpose. That is because Russia knows we stand ready to act again, should it be required," Jenkins said.
Other details available
As reported in June, the United Kingdom was radically changing its strategy for modernizing the Royal Navy. In particular, London abandoned plans to build new destroyers in favor of modern hybrid vessels equipped with drones.
The media also reported in April that the UK was creating a powerful new naval force. It will include allies from Northern Europe, with the main goal of being ready to conduct combat operations immediately.
