Royal Navy warships have scrambled to shadow Russian ships in UK waters.
Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset, along with minehunter HMS Cattistock, RFA Tidesurge and Navy helicopters reported on every move as four Russian ships carried cargo back from Syria through the English Channel and the North Sea.
The Russian ships included destroyer RFN Severomorsk, landing ship RFN Alexander Shabalin and two transport ships, MV Sparta IV and MV Siyanie Severa.
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard said: “Russia should be in no doubt that the UK will defend our waters. I’m grateful to all the personnel who shadowed this Russian convoy.
“National security is a foundation of the government’s Plan for Change and ensuring freedom of navigation contributes to our economy.”
This is the third time in six weeks that the Royal Navy has shadowed Russian task groups returning from Syria.
HMS Somerset and her Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron began shadowing the Russian task group’s escort, Severomorsk, south of Portsmouth on Sunday.
A Navy spokesman said: “As the Russian ships sailed east through the Channel and the North Sea towards the Baltic Sea, the Royal Navy ships deployed powerful sensors and launched the Merlin and Wildcat helicopters to report on every move.”
Named after the Duke of Somerset, HMS Somerset is based in Devonport in Plymouth. It has been described by the Navy as one of its “hardest workers” having been involved in operations such as seizing cocaine and providing protection to heads of governments across the Mediterranean.
Commander Joel Roberts, commanding officer of HMS Somerset, said: “Over the last few days HMS Somerset has escorted Russian ships through UK waters in resolute support to our national priorities.
“As ever, the ship’s company have shown great professionalism whilst conducting the operation that involved the integration and coordination of other ships, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft, including those from our Nato allies.
“There is strength in a coordinated Nato response, and our unity and ability to deliver integration of air and maritime operations remain some of our greatest assets.”
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