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Royal Navy tracks Russian frigate for one month off UK coast
TL;DR
The Royal Navy tracked a Russian frigate daily for a month as it moved from the Atlantic to the North Sea, amidst rising maritime tensions. The frigate was accompanied by six vessels and monitored by UK ships and helicopters.
Key points
- Royal Navy tracked Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich for a month
- Frigate escorted six Russia-linked vessels through the Dover strait
- UK ships and helicopters monitored the frigate continuously
- Admiral Kasatonov passed through the Channel towards Syria
- Monitoring reflects rising maritime tensions between the UK and Russia
Mentioned in this story
North SeaDover straitSyriaGalloper windfarmSuffolk
Royal NavyAdmiral GrigorovichAdmiral Kasatonov
Britain’s Royal Navy tracked and followed a Russian frigate every day last month as it sailed from the Atlantic to the North Sea as Moscow steps up its maritime presence after UK threats to seize shadow fleet oil tankers.
The Russian navy’s Admiral Grigorovich escorted six Russia-linked vessels during April, including at least three under economic sanction passing east through the Dover strait, while being watched continuously by four UK ships and helicopters.
The frigate, which naval spotters believe remains in the North Sea, was able to maintain its presence near Britain by taking on supplies near Galloper windfarm off the Suffolk coast.
A second frigate, Admiral Kasatonov, passed through the Channel towards the end of April escorting two merchant ships believed to be heading towards Tartus in Syria, one of whom, the Sparta, is associated with the transport of arms.
That convoy was monitored by a British auxiliary ship, the RFA Tideforce, part of a wider commitment of the UK’s stretched naval resources as maritime tensions between London and Moscow increase.
The RFN Admiral Grigorovich (foreground) is monitored by the Royal Navy’s RFA Tideforce. Photograph: MoD Crown Copyright/PA
John Healey, the defence secretary, said a month ago that the British navy had followed three Russian submarines on a monthlong mission sailing over pipelines and cables near UK waters, probably spying on the infrastructure below.
Elizabeth Braw, a security expert with the Atlantic Council thinktank, said: “This is completely disproportionate; navies normally only escort vessels when there is a clear military threat, such as from the Houthis in the Red Sea.”
As well as the occasional transport of arms, Russia relies on the “shadow fleet” of often old, poorly maintained tankers, sailing under third country flags of convenience for .
Q&A
What Russian frigate did the Royal Navy track off the UK coast?
The Royal Navy tracked the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich as it sailed near the UK coast.
Why is the Royal Navy monitoring Russian naval activity?
The Royal Navy is monitoring Russian naval activity due to increased maritime tensions following UK threats to seize shadow fleet oil tankers.
What vessels were escorted by the Admiral Grigorovich?
The Admiral Grigorovich escorted six Russia-linked vessels, including three under economic sanctions, through the Dover strait.
What was the role of the RFA Tideforce during this operation?
The RFA Tideforce monitored the Admiral Kasatonov, which passed through the Channel escorting merchant ships believed to be heading to Syria.
