Thehas scrambled a to escort a Russian frigate out of UK waters. The RFN Admiral Golovoko was spotted sailing east through the English Channel, prompting the Navy to launch to monitor the Russian ship.

The Navy's Type 23 frigate, which is usually moored in Plymouth, closely tailed Vladimir Putin's vessel and launched a Merlin helicopter to gather information from the air. The escort duties were eventually handed over to NATO allies after the Golovoko was safely out of UK waters. Meanwhile, a Russian corvette, the RFN Soobrazitelny, was tracked by Portsmouth-based patroller, the HMS Mersey, as it sailed westward. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker RFA Tidesurge supported the Mersey. A Russian tanker, the Kola, was also monitored while heading westward.

Just two weeks prior, the HMS St Albans was deployed in a similar operation after spending three days monitoring the Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoikiy.

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HMS St Albans Commanding Officer, Commander Matt Teare, said: “HMS St Albans is at very high readiness to operate whenever, and wherever, the nation needs us in the protection of our home and the waters surrounding it.

“We have twice been activated in recent weeks to conduct this type of operation and I am extremely proud of the professionalism of my crew and their tireless dedication to keeping our nation safe.

“We were proud to work alongside HMS Mersey and I would like to thank RFA Tidesurge for her logistical support during the operation.”

“HMS St Albans is currently operating as part of a NATO Task Group and the regularity of Russian activity around the reinforces the vital importance of continuous integration with our allies and partners.”

It comes after the Prime Minister visited the HMS Prince of Wales on Thursday. He visited Royal Marines, navy sailors, aviators and soldiers on board the ship.

Having departed from Portsmouth on Tuesday, the flagship leads the Carrier Strike Group as it deploys to the Indo-Pacific. By sending the Royal Navy’s largest and most powerful aircraft carrier to the region, the government is keeping the UK is secure at home and strong abroad, one of the foundations of its Plan for Change.

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