United Kingdom increases naval surveillance of Russian ghost fleet

The British Royal Navy has intensified its maritime surveillance in the North Atlantic and UK waters to monitor the Russian “ghost fleet.” During July, the Navy conducted 21 consecutive days of patrols, marking a 25% increase in activity compared to the previous year.

Operations involved several vessels, including HMS Somerset, HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey, and HMS Severn, supported by Wildcat helicopters and Merlin aircraft. The mission aims to track Russian ships and submarines used to transport hydrocarbons, which the UK states helps finance the invasion of Ukraine and poses a security threat to Europe.

A notable incident occurred on July 20, when the HMS Tyne monitored the Russian frigate Neustrashimy. The Neustrashimy conducted artillery discharges outside British and French territorial waters while escorting tankers. The HMS Tyne was positioned approximately five nautical miles away during the event to collect intelligence and observe the projectiles.