Royal Navy Shadows Russian Warship Through English Channel

A Royal Navy frigate has shadowed a Russian destroyer as it sailed through the English Channel.

Portsmouth-based HMS Westminster, along with patrol ship HMS Tyne, monitored the passage of the Russian warship Vice Admiral Kulakov.

Commander Will Paston, the Commanding Officer of HMS Westminster, said the Vice Admiral Kulakov "conducted itself in a safe and professional manner throughout its transit."

James Heappey, Minister for the Armed Forces, said he was "hugely impressed by the professional way" sailors of the two Royal Navy vessels responded to the situation.

"Once again the Royal Navy has proven its ability to maintain the sovereignty of the United Kingdom territorial waters," he said.

Royal Navy personnel monitored every movement of the Russian warship using state-of-the-art radar, surveillance cameras and sensors.

They were able to track the ship’s course and speed as the vessel passed the British Isles.

Type 23 frigate HMS Westminster is supported by her embarked Merlin helicopter from Culdrose-based 814 Naval Air Squadron.

Cover image: HMS Westminster shadowing the Russian warship through the English Channel (Picture: Royal Navy).