Royal Navy tracks Russian spy ship off Scottish coast

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 18:08 · Archive

The Royal Navy tracked a Russian intelligence-gathering ship shadowing NATO warships during an exercise off Scotland in late September and early October.

The Royal Navy deployed warships and helicopters to track Russian vessels operating around Scotland and the UK in late September and early October. Merlin helicopters monitored the Vishnya-class intelligence-gathering ship Viktor Leonov as it observed Exercise Strike Warrior, a NATO-led multinational training exercise involving more than 2,000 personnel, eight warships and 19 aircraft from six nations operating off Scotland's northwest coast.

The helicopters, deployed from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall to Glasgow Prestwick Airport, used advanced sensors to track the Russian vessel in Outer Hebridean waters between September 29 and October 8 as part of Operation Iceblast. The operation was designed to test the Royal Navy's ability to respond rapidly to emerging threats. HMS Dauntless, a Type 45 destroyer, and HMS Tyne also reported movements of the Russian frigate RFN Neustrashimy between October 1 and 14.

Captain James Hall, commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose, said the operation demonstrated 'that the UK is prepared to respond to immediate operational requirements' and that it was 'a critical means for demonstrating to ourselves, our adversaries and the nation that we are willing and capable of securing the homeland 24/7'.

How it is being reported

• Royal Navy scrambles Type 45 destroyer as Russian spy ship shadows NATO warships off ScotlandMerlin helicopters were deployed at short notice from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall to Glasgow Prestwick AirportDaily Record · 2 Nov, 17:52
• Royal Navy track Russian spy ship off Scottish coast with helicopter assistanceROYAL Navy warships and helicopters have been deployed to track Russian vessels operating in waters around Scotland and the UK over the last monthThe National · 2 Nov, 15:00

In this story: Royal Navy · Viktor Leonov · Exercise Strike Warrior · HMS Dauntless · HMS Tyne · Scotland · English Channel · James Hall

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