Royal Navy scrambled to monitor Russian ship loitering in UK waters

HMS Dragon monitors 'intelligence gathering' Russian ship in UK waters

Royal Navy warships and helicopters scrambled to monitor the Russian warship, following the completion of the major NATO exercise 'Formidable Shield' that took place nearby.

Portsmouth-based Type 45 destroyer, HMS Dragon, observed and launched helicopters to collect information on the Yuri Ivanov before it headed back north towards the Arctic.

A five-day operation, entered on May 18, tracked the Russian vessels and escorted them through the UK's sea lanes.

In total three Russian vessels, two cargo boats and warship (RFN Stoikiy) were watched during the operation to ensure the security and integrity of the UK's sea lanes.

The Stoikiy was first spotted sailing west through the Channel on May 18, where it met with two Russian merchant ships (the Sparta IV and General Skobelev), making their return from the Mediterranean.

HMS Ledbury, Royal Navy minehunter, was first to the scene, shadowing the Russian war vessel through the Dover Strait on May 18. The following morning, HMS Hurworth took over the responsibility off the coast of Brighton, tailing the warship as it met with cargo vessels southwest of Land's End.

The three Russian vessels then turned east and made their way back into the North Sea, all the while still being watched by the Royal Navy and NATO allies.

It comes not long after Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced an increase in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP to protect working people and deliver on promised plans.