A Royal Navy air defence destroyer has been scrambled to shadow a Russian military ship travelling through the English Channel.
Portsmouth-based HMS Diamond and a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton were dispatched last night to follow the Russian underwater reconnaissance ship Yantar after it approached the UK coast.
The giant vessels were pictured side by side in the Channel today as the Navy ship guided the Russian vessel northwards.
A Navy spokesman said: ‘HMS Diamond met up with Yantar and will continue to monitor the vessel’s movements and activities as it continues north.’
Royal Navy ship HMS Diamond (right) is pictured shadowing a Russian ship as it passes through the English Channel today after being deployed from Portsmouth last night
The Russian Yantar ship is pictured making its way down the English Channel on Friday
The Type 45 destroyer, based in Portsmouth, Hampshire, took over the monitoring of the boat from a French naval ship, which had been tasked to follow it through the Bay of Biscay.
The 354ft long (108 metre), 5,736 tonne Yantar is officially an oceanographic research vessel, but is understood to be bursting with surveillance equipment.
It carries two unmanned submersible vehicles, which can descend to the sea bed and send back images as well as collecting items from the bottom of the ocean.
HMS Diamond met the Russian boat, with a Wildcat helicopter, near RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset, after departing Portsmouth in thick fog.
It escorted the Russian vessel through the Channel and will continue to guide it north, ensuring it leaves UK waters.
Navy spokesman said HMS Diamond (pictured) is ‘protecting the UK’ after taking over from a French navy ship
Commander Ben Keith, commanding officer of the Type 45 destroyer, said: ‘HMS Diamond is proud to be doing her part to protect the UK area of interest by monitoring the Russian vessel Yantar on her transit.
‘This is routine business for the Royal Navy and my ship’s company are well trained and ready at short notice to deploy for such tasking.’
The Navy spokesman added: ‘HMS Diamond left Portsmouth in thick fog on Wednesday evening in readiness to meet the Russian vessel, taking over from a French navy ship which had monitored her progress through the Bay of Biscay.’
He said the Russian vessel is a specialist reconnaissance ship which carries two unmanned submersible vehicles, which can descend to the sea bed and send back images as well as collecting items from the bottom of the ocean.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson added: ‘We will not hesitate in defending our waters or tolerate any form of aggression.
‘Britain will never be intimidated when it comes to protecting our country, our people, and our national interests.’
The two ships are pictured side by side as they made their way north up the Channel today