Royal Navy tracks Putin submarine getting into English Channel as variety of Russian vessels threatening UK waters soars
The Royal Navy tracked a Russian submarine through the English Channel in a coordinated three-day operation with NATO allies.
It comes amid a 30 per cent increase in reports of Moscow‘s vessels threatening UK waters over the past two years.
The operation involved a specialist Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron and RFA Tidesurge – a replenishment tanker which is part of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
They shadowed the Russian Kilo-class submarine Krasnodar and accompanying tug boat Altay as they sailed westward from the North Sea, through the Strait of Dover and into the English Channel.
The Merlin helicopter, based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall, remained embarked on RFA Tidesurge throughout the operation.
The Royal Navy said: ‘Expert aircrew were prepared to pivot to anti-submarine operations if Krasnodar had dived below the surface.’
The Russian submarine sailed on the surface through the Channel despite stormy weather conditions sweeping the UK.
Commanding Officer of RFA Tidesurge, Captain James Allen, added: ‘There is nothing like a Russian submarine to focus the mind for any mariner.
The Royal Navy tracked a Russian submarine (circled) through the English Channel in a coordinated three-day operation with NATO allies
The operation involved a specialist Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron and RFA Tidesurge – a replenishment tanker which is part of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary
‘Our tasking over the course of three days involved the teamwork and professionalism of all RFA Tidesurge ship’s company, embarked 814 Naval Air Squadron Atlantic Flight and interoperability with near regional NATO allies.
‘We worked together as a show of presence and deterrence as we transited from the North Sea to the English Channel.’
Lieutenant Commander David Emery, Flight Commander of 814 Naval Air Squadron’s Atlantic Flight said:
‘Maintaining an overt presence and continued over watch of Russian vessels in UK waters is vital for national security.
‘The flexibility and professionalism of the crew of RFA Tidesurge allows us to project our helicopter wherever, day or night, in the maritime environment.’
The Royal Navy continued to track Krasnodar and Altay until the Russians reached the northwest of France, near the island of Ushant.
There, they handed over the shadowing task to a NATO ally.
File photo of a specialist Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron
Pictured: John Healey delivering a speech at Downing Street on November 19 this year backdropped by a screen displaying an image of Russian military ship Yantar
It follows reports this week that the UK is facing a chronic shortage of Royal Navy submarines, allowing Vladimir Putin to dominate the North Atlantic.
In an unprecedented acknowledgement of Britain’s weaknesses, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins described defences as ‘stretched’.
Sir Gwyn, the highest-ranking officer in the Navy, was joined by Defence Secretary John Healey at a naval event in Portsmouth.
Sir Gwyn and Mr Healey both expressed dissatisfaction about how few submarines the cash-strapped Royal Navy can deploy as service chiefs unveiled some of the unmanned vessels of a future hybrid fleet.
According to Sir Gwyn, a lack of patrol boats has coincided with a 30 per cent increase in Russian ship activity in the strategically vital North Atlantic.
He explained how the Kremlin sees the territory as ‘an area of advantage for them’ and is seeking to capitalise on the UK’s weaknesses.
If not challenged, Russia’s northern fleet could potentially cut off UK supply lines and threaten undersea communication as well as energy pipelines.
These pipelines connect the UK to Europe, Scandinavia and North America and have been earmarked by the military as a top security priority.
