Royal Navy rush to intercept Russian ‘spy ship’ near UK coastline

Royal Navy helicopters were scrambled to the location.

According to the report: "Merlin helicopters were deployed at short notice from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall to Glasgow Prestwick Airport to conduct Operation Iceblast."

The Russian ship was reportedly "monitoring NATO warships" that had been taking part in a military exercise near the area.

As many as 2,000 military personnel were said to have been involved in the exercise, from six different NATO countries.

As revealed in reports, the Navy have said that they tracked "Viktor Leonov, the Vishnya-class intelligence-gathering ship," whilst it passed near the Outer Hebrides, from Sept 29 to Oct 8.

In a statement, Captain James Hall, the commanding officer of the RNAS Culdrose base, said: "I am immensely proud of the efforts of our people, who have once again demonstrated that the UK is prepared to respond to immediate operational requirements.”

“This operation has been a critical means for demonstrating to ourselves, our adversaries and the nation that we are willing and capable of securing the homeland 24/7. The Merlin Helicopter Force stands ready to answer the call at a moment’s notice.”