Russian intelligence and Navy vessels have been intercepted in British waters after spying on NATO warships.
Royal Navy ships and helicopters were deployed in the English Channel and in Scottish waters to track Russian spy boats and frigates.
Merlin helicopters were deployed to track the intelligence-gathering ship the Viktor Leonov, which was monitoring NATO allied training from the outer Hebrides.
From September 29 to October 8, the choppers used their powerful sensors to keep track of the Vishnya-class ships, who were tracking Exercise Strike Warrior off the coast of Scotland.
A Royal Navy destroyer, Dauntless, was also tasked with reporting on the movements of Russian frigate RFN Neutrashimy, which was escorting a sanctioned cargo ship through the English Channel from October 1 to October 14.
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A Russian landing ship, RFN Aleksandr Shabalin, was also intercepted by HMS Tyne in mid-October as it escorted a cargo ship through the Channel.
Captain James Hall, the commanding officer of RNAS 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.’
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