A Royal Navy warship tracked a Russian naval vessel through British waters in an historic Nato mission.
HMS Duncan, a Type 45 destroyer, was deployed to monitor the Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov as it transited the English Channel.
The mission marks the inaugural occasion that a Royal Navy vessel has operated under the alliance's direct authority for this type of surveillance task, according to naval officials.
The operation forms part of broader security measures across northern European waters, with HMS Duncan working alongside NATO allies to maintain surveillance of the Russian warship's movements through UK territorial waters.
The destroyer employed its sophisticated detection equipment to locate the Kulakov in the North Sea before tracking its westward journey through the Channel towards Ushant island near the French coast.
Air support came from a Wildcat helicopter operated by 815 Naval Air Squadron from Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, which maintained aerial surveillance throughout the mission.
The multinational effort included aircraft from allied forces, with a Dutch Air Force NH90 and French Navy assets joining the British forces in monitoring the Russian vessel.
Nato Maritime Command confirmed the coordinated surveillance operation, stating: "We are watching. HMS Duncan shadowed destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov through the English Channel during a 48-hour mission."
HMS Duncan tracks the Russian Vessel;
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The alliance highlighted the collaborative nature of the mission, describing it as "a strong show of Allied cooperation and readiness in our region."
Armed Forces Minister Al Carns emphasised Britain's naval preparedness, declaring: "The Royal Navy stands ready to respond to any Russian Naval activity.
"They conduct constant monitoring operations to safeguard Britain and our territorial waters."
He added: "Once again the Royal Navy has deployed under Allied Maritime Command underpinning our unwavering solidarity with Nato to counter Russian activity."
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Commander Dan Lee, who leads HMS Duncan, highlighted the significance of the multinational cooperation.
He said: "This operation highlights the Royal Navy's commitment to safeguarding UK waters and working seamlessly with our Nato allies to ensure the security of our shared maritime spaces."
He praised the collaborative effort: "The close coordination between UK, French and Dutch forces demonstrates the strength of our alliance and our ability to respond collectively to any activity in our region."
HMS Duncan currently operates as part of NATO's Standing Maritime Group 1, the alliance's primary naval force responsible for patrolling northern European waters.
HMS Duncan took part in the exercise
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The destroyer works alongside HMS Somerset, a Type 23 frigate that has been conducting maritime security patrols in the strategic waterways connecting Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Scotland since August.
These sea lanes represent vital passages linking the North Atlantic with Arctic waters, requiring constant monitoring by allied forces.
Commander Matt Millyard, who commands HMS Somerset, explained: "The ship has been deployed since August in support of Operation Relentless, protecting the UK's nuclear deterrent which is assigned to the defence of Nato."
He noted that participation in the group "has allowed us to further contribute to NATO's presence in the region."