Royal Navy tracks Russian warships in UK waters as RAF Protector makes operational debut

The Royal Navy has tracked and intercepted three Russian warships – comprising an intelligence-gathering vessel, a guided-missile frigate and a landing ship – during a series of operations around British waters that spanned September and October.

Conducted over a 17-day period, the three maritime interdiction operations involved the Royal Navy’s second Type 45 air-defence destroyer, HMS Dauntless (D33) – which was recently seen sailing with suspected counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) launchers – and the River-class offshore patrol vessel, HMS Tyne (P281).

Also involved in the operations were Merlin HM2 and Wildcat HMA2 helicopters employed by the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm (FAA), as well as a Royal Air Force (RAF)-operated MQ-9B Protector RG1 medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned air vehicle (UAV) from RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire. The recent engagements marked the Protector RG1’s first operational deployment in UK airspace.

The operations were disclosed by the Royal Navy on 2 November and highlight the increasing demands on UK forces to monitor and track Russian naval activity in local waters, including those protecting civilian-flagged oil tankers that are associated with Moscow’s sanctioned ‘shadow fleet’.

Merlin HM2s track Russian spy ship as it shadows NATO exercise off Scotland

Between 29 September and 8 October, Merlin HM2 helicopters were deployed at short notice from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall to Glasgow Prestwick Airport in South Ayrshire, Scotland, to monitor the Russian Navy’s Vishnya-class intelligence-gathering vessel, Viktor Leonov (CCB-175).

Operating in waters around the Outer Hebrides, Viktor Leonov was closely monitoring NATO warships participating in Exercise Strike Warrior 26 (SW26). Held from 21 September to 9 October, SW26 was a multinational training exercise that involved more than 2,000 personnel, over 30 warships and a plethora of aircraft from six different allied nations.

The deployment formed part of Operation Iceblast, which was designed to demonstrate the Merlin Helicopter Force’s ability to operate away from its main operating base at short notice and maintain surveillance in response to operational requirements. The deployment also served to prove the force’s ability to protect the infrastructure surrounding the UK’s nuclear deterrent.

Capt James Hall, the commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose, said: “This operation has been a critical means for demonstrating to ourselves, our adversaries and the nation that we are willing and capable of securing the homeland 24/7.”

Meanwhile, between 1-14 October, HMS Dauntless and HMS Tyne monitored the Russian Navy’s Neustrashimy-class guided-missile frigate, RFN Neustrashimy (772), as the warship escorted sanctioned cargo vessels through the English Channel.

The frigate has reportedly spent much of the past three months providing protection for Russian-linked merchant shipping, with the UK and its allies intensifying their action against ‘shadow fleet’ vessels suspected of helping Moscow to evade sanctions.

Commenting on this, Cmdr Neil Skinner, the commander of HMS Dauntless, said: “The Royal Navy’s ability to monitor and respond to activity around the [UK] is fundamental to our role in protecting the nation’s interests at sea…

“HMS Dauntless maintained the close and proficient monitoring of the Russian warship, Neustrashimy, during her operations within the English Channel, providing reassurance to the UK and our allies whilst contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the maritime environment that surrounds us,” he added.

RAF Protector RG1 marks operational debut over UK waters

Between 11-14 October, HMS Tyne was subsequently tasked with monitoring the Russian Navy’s Ropucha-class landing ship, RFN Aleksandr Shabalin (110), which was escorting the Russian-flagged general cargo ship, MV Energy-2, and offshore tug and supply ship, Proton, towards the Baltic Sea.

Operating from North Shields, HMS Tyne was supported by a Wildcat HMA2 multi-mission maritime helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS), which is home-based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset, as the Russian vessels passed through the English Channel.

The wider surveillance effort also marked a significant milestone for the RAF, with its fledgling fleet of Protector RG1 MALE UAVs undertaking its first operational sorties in UK airspace.

The aircraft provided more than ten hours of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) support over the English Channel, working alongside Dauntless and Tyne, as well as the Royal Navy’s deployed Merlin HM2 and Wildcat HMA2 helicopters.

The Royal Navy reported that monitoring activity involving Russian naval movements increased by 25% during the first seven months of 2026 when compared with the same period in 2025.

These operations underline the importance of sustained maritime surveillance and coordination between the Royal Navy and RAF as the UK seeks to closely monitor Russian military movements, protect national interests and strengthen security around its sovereign maritime approaches.