The British Royal Navy has intensified its operations in the English Channel, deploying a range of warships and helicopters to closely monitor and track Russian naval vessels amidst a notable increase in their activity near UK territorial waters throughout 2025. These proactive deployments underscore the Royal Navy’s unwavering commitment to maritime security and its crucial role in upholding NATO’s collective vigilance.
Central to these recent operations was the Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan and the River-class offshore patrol vessel HMS Mersey, which specifically shadowed the Russian Navy’s Steregushchiy-class corvette RFN Boikiy. The Boikiy, a multi-role vessel equipped with stealth capabilities and a potent weapons suite, was observed asserting Russia’s military presence, including providing armed escort for vessels under Western sanctions. This mission followed a similar tracking of the Russian frigate RFN Admiral Grigorovich by HMS Trent, supported by Wildcat helicopters.
The heightened frequency of these Russian transits has necessitated coordinated responses across NATO allies. Previous incidents this year include HMS Tyne shadowing the Russian Kilo-class submarine Krasnodar. Additionally, a larger Russian naval group, reportedly transporting military cargo from Syria via landing ships, has been closely monitored by HMS Iron Duke, HMS Tyne, and RFA Tideforce. These consistent movements signify a clear uptick in Russian naval assertiveness in strategically important international waters.
In response, the British Royal Navy has bolstered its maritime presence and surveillance efforts. HMS Duncan, with its advanced Sea Viper missile system, plays a vital role in fleet protection and multinational operations, while HMS Mersey provides essential support for territorial surveillance and broader maritime security tasks. The escalating presence of Russian warships in the English Channel has prompted defense planners to raise concerns, driving the Royal Navy to escalate its readiness. This proactive stance is designed to deter potential hybrid threats and safeguard critical maritime infrastructure, reaffirming the Royal Navy’s standing as a leading global naval power committed to regional stability.