HMS Somerset, HMS Cattistock, RFA Tidesurge an RAF P8 Poseidon and Royal Navy helicopters shadow Russian Task Group in Channel.
~
Press Release, Whale Island, 19 March 2025: Royal Navy warships shadowed a Russian task group returning from Syria 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 the Eastern Mediterranean 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.
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 (March 16) after tanker Tidesurge had monitored the destroyer in the North Sea and through the Strait of Dover. The RAF also deployed a P8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth, collecting vital information as the Russians made their journey. The Udaloy-class Severomorsk met the cargo and landing ships in the western reaches of the Channel, off Cornwall, where minehunter HMS Cattistock was already monitoring the Russian group.
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.”
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.
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.”
Commanding Officer of HMS Cattistock, Lieutenant Commander Rob Garner, added: “Cattistock has recently completed a period of Operational Sea Training off western Scotland and my ship’s company are sharp and ready to protect the UK’s security at sea.”
Warships from NATO allies also joined this operation, ensuring the Russians’ transit was monitored as yet more cargo returned from Syria. In the space of six weeks, the Royal Navy has shadowed three separate task groups returning from Syria. This latest operation comes just two weeks after the last, which saw HMS Somerset complete a three-day mission watching RFN Boikiy as the corvette escorted merchant vessels Baltic Leader on its voyage from the Med.
The UK is heavily dependent on imports and exports by sea, which is why securing the UK’s waters and areas of interest is essential to supporting the economy and growth.
~
