Overview

• HMS Mersey, supported by a Wildcat from 815 Naval Air Squadron and a Merlin from 824 Naval Air Squadron, tracked the RFN Novorossiysk as it transited the North Sea and English Channel.
• Shipborne and airborne sensors maintained continuous surveillance of the Kilo-class submarine and its escort tug Yakov Grebelski.
• The mission marked HMS Mersey’s sixth such deployment in three months, underlining the Royal Navy’s commitment to maintaining maritime sovereignty.
• Monitoring responsibility was handed over to NATO allies once the submarine exited UK waters.
• The operation followed last week’s joint shadowing of the frigate Admiral Grigorovich and corvette Boikiy by HMS Duncan and HMS Trent.