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Royal Navy tracks Russian submarine in UK waters
2 July 2025
Royal Navy helicopters and a warship monitored a surfaced Russian submarine as it sailed through the North Sea and English Channel.
Portsmouth-based patrol ship HMS Mersey, a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron and a specialist submarine hunting Merlin aircraft from 824 Naval Air Squadron were dispatched to report on the movements of RFN Novorossiysk as the Russian submarine sailed west through UK waters.
The operation is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to safeguard the integrity of UK waters and protecting national security through the government’s Plan for Change.
The British warship and helicopters utilised powerful sensors and systems to watch every move the Kilo-class boat and Goryn-class tug boat Yakov Grebelski during their voyage.
HMS Mersey’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Dan Wardle, said: “This operation is another clear demonstration of the Royal Navy’s enduring commitment to safeguarding the United Kingdom’s maritime interests.
“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.
“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.”
For the submarine hunting Merlin helicopters of 824 NAS, from RNAS Culdrose, it was a chance to hone their skills and contribute to the protection of UK waters.
824 NAS Commanding Officer, Commander Alex Kelley, said: “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.”
HMS Mersey handed over monitoring duties to NATO allies as the Russians left UK waters, with the Merlin and Wildcat returning to their respective air stations in Culdrose in Cornwall and Yeovilton in Somerset.
The UK is steadfast in its support to NATO, increasing defence spending to 2.6% of GDP from 2027, with an ambition to increase to 3% in the next parliament.
It was the sixth such tasking for HMS Mersey in the last three months and comes just a week after the patrol ship and fellow Portsmouth ships HMS Duncan and HMS Trent were all activated to watch Russian frigate RFN Admiral Grigorovich and corvette RFN Boikiy in UK waters.