The Royal Navy has deployed HMS St Albans to monitor and escort a Russian frigate, RFN Admiral Golovoko, after it was spotted sailing through British waters in the English Channel.
The Plymouth-based warship was scrambled to track the movements of Vladimir Putin’s vessel as it sailed east. A Merlin helicopter was also launched to gather aerial intelligence and conduct further reconnaissance on the Russian ship.
Once Admiral Golovoko reached the Mediterranean, escort responsibilities were handed over to NATO allies, maintaining continuous surveillance as part of the alliance’s collective maritime security efforts.
Commander Matt Teare, captain of HMS St Albans, praised his crew for their swift response:
“HMS St Albans is at very high readiness to operate whenever and wherever the nation needs us in the protection of our home and the waters surrounding it. We have twice been activated in recent weeks to conduct this type of operation, and I am extremely proud of the professionalism of my crew and their tireless dedication to keeping our nation safe.”
He added:
We were proud to work alongside HMS Mersey, and I would like to thank RFA Tidesurge for her logistical support during the operation.
About HMS St Albans
HMS St Albans is the latest addition to the Royal Navy’s fleet of Type 23 frigates, renowned for their versatility and cutting-edge capabilities. The vessel is equipped with five radar systems, six sonar systems, and eight weapon systems, and supports anti-submarine warfare operations with a Merlin MK2 helicopter onboard. The ship accommodates up to 205 personnel.
Currently operating as part of a NATO Task Group, HMS St Albans plays a key role in maintaining maritime security amid increasing Russian naval activity around the United Kingdom.
This latest operation comes just two weeks after HMS St Albans shadowed the Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoikiy in a three-day tracking mission.
The interception follows Prime Ministerial support for the Royal Navy, with the Prime Minister visiting HMS Prince of Wales earlier this week. HMS Prince of Wales, leading a Carrier Strike Group, has departed for an eight-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific, accompanied by international allies, reinforcing the UK’s global security commitments under the government’s Plan for Change initiative.
