Media: UK lacks firepower to protect ships from potential Russian seizures

Britain lacks the naval firepower to protect its cargo ships from potential seizure by Russia, according to UK defence sources cited by The Telegraph, amid growing tensions over Moscow’s threats against European vessels.

British military planners are reportedly most concerned about potential Russian actions in the Indo-Pacific, where the UK has a limited naval presence.

On August 12, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed Russian forces to “inspect and detain” European vessels in response to Western measures targeting Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers.

A senior Russian naval officer subsequently identified Britain as a possible target, saying Moscow had gathered information on 27 British-linked vessels that had passed near the Kuril Islands, a disputed archipelago between Russia and Japan.

The UK currently has two patrol ships deployed in the Indo-Pacific, HMS Tamar and HMS Spey, which are tasked with protecting British vessels in the region.

The two 295-foot River-class ships are lightly armed compared with some Russian naval forces operating in the area, including the Varyag cruiser, which participated in military exercises near the Kuril Islands this week.

Former Conservative Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace said Britain would need to work with allies to respond to any Russian threats.

“The first response to Putin’s comments should be to work with allies such as France to ensure we burden-share across the globe, escort or protection duties,” he told The Telegraph.

By Sabina Mammadli