Russian spy ship tracked off Outer Hebrides during major NATO exercise

Royal Navy warships and helicopters have completed three missions tracking Russian activity in the waters around Scotland.

HMS Tyne and HMS Dauntless, along with Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, were all dispatched to report on Russian movements during the final days of September and the first two weeks of October.

The helicopters were deployed at short notice from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall to Glasgow Prestwick Airport to conduct Operation Iceblast.

From September 29 until October 8, the Merlins utilised their powerful sensors to keep track of the Vishnya-class intelligence-gathering ship Viktor Leonov in the Outer Hebrides.

The spy ship was monitoring NATO warships taking part in the allied training exercise, Exercise Strike Warrior, off Scotland’s northwest coast, which involved more than 2,000 personnel from six nations.

Captain James Hall, the commanding officer of Royal Naval Air Service Culdrose, 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 tasking was part of a wider series of operations, known collectively as Operation Iceblast, which was designed to test the ability of Merlin helicopter force to deploy away from its home base of RNAS Culdrose in force and at short notice.

“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.”

In addition, HMS Dauntless, a well-equipped Type 45 destroyer, was given a two-week mission to track the RFN Neustrashimy as it escorted sanctioned cargo ships through the English Channel.

The Russians have been forced to deploy the warship over the last three months to protect their illegal shipments, with the UK having sanctioned more than 500 vessels and seized the tanker Smyrtos in June.

HMS Tyne intercepts RFN Aleksandr Shabalin in the English Channel. Royal Navy

HMS Tyne was tasked to intercept RFN Aleksandr Shabalin between October 11 and October 14, which was escorting cargo ship MV Energy-2.

Tyne was activated from North Shields to watch every move as the Russians sailed through the English Channel en route to the Baltic Region.

Lieutenant commander Sam Fields, HMS Tyne’s commanding officer, said: “Operating from the North East to the English Channel in quick succession, HMS Tyne’s recent activations demonstrate the flexibility and enduring utility of our patrol ships.

“Maintaining a persistent presence around the UK and beyond, we stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice to protect our nation’s interests. I am proud of my ship’s company for their unwavering professionalism and adaptability.”