Russian Patrol Ship Conducts Live-Fire Drills off UK Coast

The Russian Baltic Fleet patrol ship Neustrashimy (SKR 772) conducted live-fire exercises in the English Channel near the coast of the United Kingdom.

According to Navy Lookout, the drills took place on July 20, approximately 40 nautical miles (74 km) south of Plymouth, while the vessel was transiting the Channel.

The Russian warship was operating in international waters under the watch of the Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Tyne.

Before beginning the live-fire exercise, the Russian ship notified the British side. In response, HMS Tyne increased its distance from approximately 2 nautical miles to 5 nautical miles, while continuing to monitor the drills. The live-fire exercise lasted for about 30 minutes.

The UK Ministry of Defence stated that the Royal Navy continuously monitored the Russian warship and remained ready to safeguard the country’s national security.

During the Russian patrol ship’s live-fire exercise, Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets, a Voyager aerial refueling aircraft, and a French maritime patrol aircraft were also operating in the area, monitoring the vessel’s activities.

In early July, the patrol ship Neustrashimy was spotted transiting the Danish Straits after leaving the Baltic Sea.

The vessel is believed to have assumed patrol duties in the region to protect ships associated with Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, replacing the frigate Admiral Grigorovich, which recently returned to its home port of Baltiysk in Russia’s Kaliningrad region.

Admiral Grigorovich had spent nearly three months operating in the English Channel and adjacent waters before returning to Russia. In June, the frigate fired warning shots at a yacht carrying British retirees.

British forces routinely shadow Russian Navy vessels transiting the English Channel. However, live-fire exercises conducted near the UK are rare.

According to the media, the drills were likely intended as a show of force, demonstrating Russia’s military presence close to British territory.