A Russian warship carried out a live-fire artillery exercise approximately 40 miles off the coast of Plymouth on Monday, according to the Ministry of Defence. The Royal Navy monitored the operation and continues to track the vessel's activity closely.
Details of the Exercise
The Russian frigate, Neustrashimy, informed the Royal Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Tyne of its intentions to fire before commencing the exercise. A French military aircraft also made radio contact with the warship to clarify its intentions. The HMS Tyne was reportedly asked to move to a safer distance while the exercise took place, which lasted 30 minutes.
Broader Context of Russian Naval Activity
This incident is part of a pattern of Russian naval movements near UK waters this year. Last month, a 'shadow fleet' oil tanker was spotted in the English Channel, leading to a six-hour boarding operation by Royal Marine Commandos—the first such operation by UK armed forces. Russian warships regularly traverse international waters in the Channel without entering UK or French territories.
UK defence sources declined to comment to the BBC on whether the timing of the exercise might be linked to Andy Burnham's arrival at Downing Street.
