Britain conducts surveillance on Russian submarine in English Channel

The Royal Navy successfully tracked a Russian submarine through the English Channel in a coordinated three-day operation alongside NATO allies, highlighting the UK’s commitment to safeguarding its waters amid rising Russian maritime activity.

A specialist Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker RFA Tidesurge shadowed the Russian Kilo-class submarine Krasnodar and its accompanying tug boat Altay as they sailed westward from the North Sea, through the Strait of Dover, and into the English Channel, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Navy.

The operation comes amid a 30% increase in Russian vessels approaching UK waters over the past two years and forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, aimed at protecting national security and maritime integrity.

The Merlin helicopter, based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall, remained aboard RFA Tidesurge throughout the operation, ready to pivot to anti-submarine operations if Krasnodar had submerged. Despite stormy weather, the Russian submarine remained on the surface as it transited the Channel.

Captain James Allen, Commanding Officer of RFA Tidesurge, said: "There is nothing like a Russian submarine to focus the mind for any mariner. Our tasking over the course of three days involved the teamwork and professionalism of all RFA Tidesurge ship’s company, embarked 814 Naval Air Squadron Atlantic Flight and interoperability with near regional NATO allies. We worked together as a show of presence and deterrence as we transited from the North Sea to the English Channel."

Lieutenant Commander David Emery, Flight Commander of 814 Naval Air Squadron’s Atlantic Flight, added: "Maintaining an overt presence and continued over watch of Russian vessels in UK waters is vital for national security. The flexibility and professionalism of the crew of RFA Tidesurge allows us to project our helicopter wherever, day or night, in the maritime environment."

The Royal Navy continued tracking Krasnodar and Altay until the vessels reached northwest France, near the island of Ushant, where NATO allies took over the shadowing operation.

By Vugar Khalilov