A Royal Navy destroyer and helicopter have completed a 48-hour NATO mission monitoring a Russian warship in UK waters, marking a historic first for the alliance.
Portsmouth-based HMS Duncan was activated by NATO Allied Maritime Command, headquartered at Northwood in London, to shadow the Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov as it transited through the English Channel.
This was the first time a Royal Navy warship has operated under the direct command of NATO for such a mission, forming part of broader security operations across northern Europe. The deployment complemented ongoing work by Plymouth-based HMS Somerset with NATO forces in the North Atlantic.
The Type 45 destroyer used its advanced sensors and systems to intercept the Kulakov in the North Sea, tracking her progress westward through the Channel toward Ushant Island off the French coast.
A Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron, based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, provided air support and surveillance during the operation. The coordinated effort included participation from the Dutch Air Force with an NH90 helicopter and the French Navy.
The mission underscores the government’s continuing commitment to safeguard UK waters and strengthen national security under the Plan for Change.
Al Carns, Minister for the Armed Forces, said: “The Royal Navy stands ready to respond to any Russian Naval activity. They conduct constant monitoring operations to safeguard Britain and our territorial waters.
“Once again the Royal Navy has deployed under Allied Maritime Command underpinning our unwavering solidarity with NATO to counter Russian activity.”
HMS Duncan’s Commanding Officer, Commander Dan Lee, said: “This operation highlights the Royal Navy’s commitment to safeguarding UK waters and working seamlessly with our NATO allies to ensure the security of our shared maritime spaces.
“The close coordination between UK, French and Dutch forces demonstrates the strength of our alliance and our ability to respond collectively to any activity in our region.
“Tracking and escorting the Vice Admiral Kulakov through UK waters was a clear example of NATO’s interoperability in action. The professionalism and teamwork displayed by all involved ensured the operation was conducted safely and effectively, showcasing our shared resolve to uphold international maritime norms.”
HMS Duncan is one of two Royal Navy warships assigned to Standing Maritime Group 1, NATO’s premier task force operating in northern European waters. The group undertakes regular exercises, manoeuvres and port visits to strengthen cooperation between allied navies.
While HMS Duncan patrolled closer to home, the Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset conducted maritime security patrols between Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Scotland, an area that serves as a key route between the North Atlantic and Arctic waters. The deployment also allowed Somerset’s 200-strong crew to visit Torshavn in the Faroe Islands and Reykjavik in Iceland.
Operating within Standing Maritime Group 1 enables Royal Navy vessels at high readiness to contribute to a coordinated NATO presence, reinforcing the alliance’s collective defence posture.
HMS Somerset’s Commanding Officer, Commander Matt Millyard, said: “The ship has been deployed since August in support of Operation Relentless, protecting the UK’s nuclear deterrent which is assigned to the defence of NATO.
“Working as part of SNMG1 over the last few weeks has allowed us to further contribute to NATO’s presence in the region. The port visits have been a great opportunity for the crew to relax after a busy operational period and prepare for an even busier period over the next few months.”
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