Russian spy vessel and warships intercepted by Royal Navy amid 'persistent presence'
The Royal Navy monitored the Viktor Leonov with Merlin helicopters as it watched a NATO drill involving about 2,000 personnel, officials said.
- Between September 29 and October 8, the Royal Navy tracked the Russian Vishnya-class intelligence ship Viktor Leonov near the Outer Hebrides as it monitored NATO's Exercise Strike Warrior, involving approximately 2,000 personnel.
- Operation Iceblast, a series of deployments designed to test the Merlin Helicopter Force's ability to respond at short notice, came as Russian maritime activity near British waters increased 25% during the first seven months of 2026.
- Separately, HMS Dauntless and HMS Tyne reported on movements of Russian frigate RFN Neustrashimy and landing ship RFN Aleksandr Shabalin as they escorted cargo vessels through the English Channel from October 1 to October 14.
- Captain James Hall, commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose, stated, "The Merlin Helicopter Force stands ready to answer the call at a moment's notice," emphasizing Britain's operational readiness to protect national interests.
- Chancellor John Healey admitted on Sunday that the government's 3 per cent defense spending target is only a 'target,' not a firm commitment by 2030, as Russia's maritime activity continues escalating near British waters.
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15 Articles
The British Royal Navy announced today that during a military exercise it intercepted a Russian spy ship near the coast of Scotland last month, writes the British newspaper The Telegraph.
Victor Leonov, a Russian reconnaissance vessel, followed NATO ships during military exercises off the coast of Scotland, using special Merlin helicopters to control it.
Royal Navy tracks Russian spy ship off Scotland
Royal Navy Merlin helicopters tracked the Russian intelligence-gathering ship Viktor Leonov off the Outer Hebrides as it watched NATO warships on Exercise Strike Warrior, according to the Royal Navy. The post Royal Navy tracks Russian spy ship off Scotland first appeared on UK Defence Journal.
Royal Navy intercepts Russian spy ship off Scotland as helicopters track vessel monitoring Nato exercise
Royal Navy intercepts Russian spy ship off Scotland as helicopters track vessel monitoring Nato exercise . The Royal Navy has intercepted a Russian spy ship off Scotland's coast after it was discovered shadowing a Nato exercise
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