Royal Navy steps up Russian vessel tracking

Satellite and sonar data indicated that Russian frigates and submarines increased their presence near the English Channel, prompting the Royal Navy to deploy additional destroyers and maritime patrol aircraft.

Defence officials said the surge reflects Moscow’s broader strategy of projecting power in NATO’s near‑shore zones.

The Ministry of Defence warned that any aggressive manoeuvres could trigger diplomatic protests.

Analysts note that the pattern mirrors similar escalations observed in the Baltic Sea earlier this year.