The Royal Navy has tracked a Russian Kilo-class submarine sailing through the English Channel in a coordinated three-day operation involving UK assets and NATO partners.

The monitoring mission comes at a time when the UK has recorded a 30% rise in Russian vessels approaching or threatening its waters over the past two years.

The submarine, identified as Krasnodar, was escorted by the Russian tug Altay as it sailed from the North Sea, passed through the Strait of Dover and continued westward into the Channel.

Throughout the transit, British forces maintained a visible presence to protect national security under the government’s Plan for Change. A Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Tidesurge were central to the shadowing operation.

The helicopter, embarked on Tidesurge, remained ready to shift to anti-submarine operations if the Russian submarine attempted to dive. Despite stormy weather conditions across the UK, Krasnodar stayed on the surface throughout its journey.

Captain James Allen, Commanding Officer of Tidesurge, said through a Royal Navy release that the sight of a Russian submarine demanded full concentration from any mariner.

He added that the three-day task demonstrated teamwork across the ship, the embarked 814 Squadron, and NATO partners, acting as a show of presence and deterrence during the transit.

Lieutenant Commander David Emery, who leads the Atlantic Flight of 814 Naval Air Squadron, said in the statement that maintaining a clear presence and continuous watch on Russian vessels in UK waters remained essential for national security. He added that the flexibility of Tidesurge’s crew allowed the helicopter to be deployed day or night.

The Royal Navy continued tracking Krasnodar and Altay until they moved towards the northwest of France near the island of Ushant, where a NATO ally took over the shadowing responsibility.

Reference: Royal Navy