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Russian Navy warships shadowed by Royal Navy in UK waters
25 June 2025
Royal Navy warships and helicopters have been activated to shadow Russian activity in the English Channel and North Sea during a concentrated four-day operation.
Portsmouth-based destroyer HMS Duncan and patrol ship HMS Mersey worked in tandem as they reported on the movements of RFN Boikiy as the corvette sailed eastwards through the English Channel.
This operation came soon after patrol ship HMS Trent and Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron shadowed RFN Admiral Grigorovich as part of joint NATO efforts as the Russian frigate sailed past Gibraltar, through the English Channel and into the North Sea.
Type 45 destroyer Duncan met the Steregushchiy-class corvette near the island of Ushant at the southwestern end of the Channel on the French coast on 20 June.
HMS Mersey took over duties off the Isle of Wight on 21 June, with Duncan returning to training ahead of operations.
Luke Pollard, Minister for the Armed Forces, said: “Russian warships are increasingly sailing through the English Channel, and every time they do, a Royal Navy vessel will be keeping an eye on them. I have every confidence, as should the British public, that our Royal Navy will continue to defend our waters and keep our undersea cables safe.”
Commander Daniel Lee, Commanding Officer of HMS Duncan, said: “Escorting foreign warships through waters near the UK is a vital part of our mission to protect our nation and uphold international maritime law.
“It’s a clear demonstration of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our seas, which are so important to the lives and livelihoods of the British people.
“As a ship’s company, we are proud to carry out this duty on behalf of the nation, showcasing our professionalism and readiness to respond to any task required of us.”
Utilising cutting-edge sensors and powerful radar, Duncan reported on Boikiy’s movements as the Russian ship continued its journey back from deployment in the Gulf of Guinea.
Boikiy was last tracked by the Royal Navy in May by HMS Tyne – with the main difference being that the Russian vessel was now missing an anchor.
HMS Mersey took over duties off the Isle of Wight on 21 June, with Duncan returning to training ahead of operations.
For patrol ship Mersey, also based in Portsmouth, this is the fifth activation this year to track Russian warships in UK waters.
Lieutenant Commander Daniel Wardle, Commanding Officer of HMS Mersey, said: “This operation is routine business for the Royal Navy and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to safeguarding the integrity of UK waters.
“Monitoring the movement of transiting naval vessels through the region is a fundamental task, and I am immensely proud of my ship’s company for the professionalism, teamwork, and vigilance they consistently display.”
HMS Trent was tasked to track the Admiral Grigorovich on her journey back to the UK for essential training after more than four years away from home on missions in the Mediterranean, off West Africa and the Caribbean.
The patrol ship began shadowing the frigate in waters near Gibraltar and closely watched movements through the Channel and into the North Sea.
Commander Gavin Lowe, Commanding Officer HMS Trent, said: “The Royal Navy is at sea every day safeguarding UK waters and I’m very proud of the professionalism and skill my team displayed while providing this vital assurance.”