Royal Navy warships and helicopters were activated to report on Russian activity
in UK waters off the Western Isles.
HMS Dragon monitored Russian intelligence gathering ship Yuri Ivanov as it loitered
in off the Outer Hebrides following the completion of major NATO exercise Formidable
Shield.
The exercise took place between South Uist and St Kilda.
The Portsmouth-based Type 45 destroyer continued to track the Russian spy ship.
HMS Dragon launched her Merlin helicopter to collect information from above, until
the Yuri Ivanov headed north towards its home in the Arctic.
This was the second incident of Russian activity at sea off the UK recently.
HMS Ledbury, HMS Hurworth and 814 Naval Air Squadron were activated to shadow RFN
Stoikiy as the Russian warship sailed west through the Channel to meet two merchant
vessels, Sparta IV and General Skobelev, which were returning from the Mediterranean.
The Steregushchiy-class corvette subsequently escorted the two cargo ships eastbound,
with Portsmouth-based HMS Hurworth watching every move as the Russian group headed
back to the Baltic Sea as part of combined NATO efforts.
Lieutenant Commander James Bradshaw, Commanding Officer of Hunt-class minehunter
HMS Hurworth, said: “Monitoring activity on the seas and seabed around the UK is
one of the core roles of the Royal Navy’s 2nd Mine-Countermeasures Squadron.
“This operation was all in a day’s work for the ship’s company who have shown great
professionalism.
“We have kept a constant watch to ensure the security and integrity of the UK’s critical
sea-lanes.”
Royal Navy monitors Russian spy ship lurking off the Hebrides
29 May 2025
Russian spy ship Yuri Ivanov (front) is tailed by HMS Dragon
