HMS Iron Duke Shadows Russian Submarine Through the Dover Strait

In a coordinated six-day mission with NATO allies, the Royal Navy's HMS Iron Duke, a Portsmouth-based frigate, closely tracked the Kilo-class Russian submarine Novorossiysk and its support vessel, the tug Evgeny Churov, as they sailed through the Dover Strait into the Atlantic.

This operation began in early September when the Canadian warship HMCS Shawinigan initially monitored the Russian vessels as they departed the Baltic and crossed the North Sea. As they approached the busy Dover Strait, the Royal Navy assumed responsibility for shadowing duties. HMS Iron Duke maintained a constant watch on the submarine and its escort, employing its advanced sensors and deploying its Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron for aerial surveillance. The Russian submarine remained on the surface throughout the journey.

Once the Russian vessels exited UK waters, HMS Iron Duke transferred monitoring duties to the French Navy's frigate FS Auvergne off the northwest coast of France.

HMS Iron Duke quickly returned to the North Sea to conduct a similar operation, this time shadowing the Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoiky and the tanker MT Yaz. The Belgian Navy’s patrol vessel BNS Castor initially monitored the Russian vessels until they reached the Dover Strait, where HMS Iron Duke resumed its watch. The UK ship later handed over monitoring duties to HMS Tyne off the coast of northwestern France.

Throughout both operations, the Royal Navy maintained a vigilant presence, ensuring that all Russian vessels adhered to international laws governing the right of innocent passage and posed no threat to UK security.

Commander David Armstrong, Commanding Officer of HMS Iron Duke, reflected on the mission's success: "These were the fourth and fifth such operations for HMS Iron Duke since we completed intensive training in July. I am incredibly proud of the professionalism and dedication my crew has consistently demonstrated while carrying out their duty."

The Royal Navy’s ongoing maritime security operations underscore its vital role in protecting the UK's sovereign waters and critical national infrastructure, reinforcing the UK's commitment to maintaining global stability and security.