Russian spy ships stalked by Royal Navy warships in Channel for second time in just one month

Warships and helicopters were deployed to "ensure the security and integrity of the UK's critical sea-lanes", according to Lieutenant Commander James Bradshaw.

The operation involved tracking Russian vessels and escorting them through British territorial waters as they transited the English Channel and waters off the Outer Hebrides.

The Royal Navy confirmed the surveillance mission concluded on the afternoon of May 22.

Russian intelligence-gathering ship Yuri Ivanov was monitored in waters off the Outer Hebrides following the completion of major Nato exercise Formidable Shield nearby on May 21-23.

HMS Dragon, a destroyer based in Portsmouth, launched a Merlin helicopter to collect aerial information on the Russian vessel.

The surveillance continued until the Yuri Ivanov headed north towards its base in the Arctic.

The timing of the Russian ship's presence coincided with the conclusion of the significant Nato military exercise in the region, prompting the Royal Navy's close monitoring response.

HMS Dragon's helicopter deployment formed part of the broader five-day operation to track Russian naval activity in UK waters.

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Three Russian vessels were shadowed through the English Channel by HMS Ledbury, HMS Hurworth and 814 Naval Air Squadron during the operation.

The group consisted of two cargo boats and warship RFN Stoikiy, a Steregushchiy-class corvette.

Stoikiy sailed west through the Channel to meet two merchant vessels, Sparta IV and General Skobelev, which were returning from the Mediterranean.

HMS Ledbury met the Russian corvette late on May 18, monitoring it through the Dover Strait during its westbound journey.

HMS Hurworth took over surveillance the following day off Brighton, maintaining watch as Stoikiy met the two merchant vessels south-west of Land's End.

The minehunter then tracked the group eastbound through the Channel and into the North Sea until operations concluded.

During the eastbound transit, a Merlin Mk2 helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose monitored the Russian group, with aircraft and warships from Nato allies also involved.

Lieutenant Commander Craig Clark, commanding officer of HMS Ledbury, said: "Escorting Russian vessels through UK waters is a vital demonstration of our unwavering commitment to national security."

Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw described the operation as "all in a day's work for the ship's company, who have shown great professionalism".

Able Seaman mine warfare Wayne Slater from HMS Hurworth said: "Driving the ship close to the Russian vessels has been a new experience for me as a helmsman.

"Everything has been safe and professional but we're all trained to make sure we can respond to any aggression or incident whenever non-allied warships are operating near UK waters."