Overview
- RFA Tidesurge, with an embarked Merlin from 814 Naval Air Squadron, monitored the Kilo-class RFS Krasnodar from the North Sea through the Dover Strait into the English Channel over three days.
- The submarine remained on the surface despite severe weather to expedite its transit, with the helicopter ready to switch to anti-submarine operations if it dived.
- The Russian group also included the tug Altay, corvette RFS Viktor Veliky and tanker General Skobelev, which were shadowed alongside the submarine.
- UK forces maintained contact until the approaches to Ushant, where the French navy assumed tracking, and Tidesurge subsequently returned to Portland.
- The Ministry of Defence said the mission supports protection of UK waters as Russian activity has risen about 30% in two years, while observers note recurring use of RFA tankers for shadowing tasks.