The British frigate HMS St Albans shadowed Russian warship Admiral Gorshkov during its “activity in areas of national interest” over the Christmas holiday, the UK said.
The Russian frigate is new and still undergoing sea trials, according to Russian state media.
That said, the British government says there has been an “upsurge in Russian units transiting UK waters” in recent months in what some see as a return to the days of the Cold War.
HMS St Albans was sent on Saturday to “keep watch on the new Russian warship Admiral Gorshkov as it passed close to UK territorial waters”, the Royal Navy said in a statement.
“I will not hesitate in defending our waters or tolerate any form of aggression,” Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said.
“Britain will never be intimidated when it comes to protecting our country, our people, and our national interests,” he added.
The Russian warship must still complete missile tests before entering service with the Russian navy next year. [source]
Information in this article helps satisfy Priority Intelligence Requirement 2: What is the current situation report and risk of war in each of the four flashpoints? To subscribe to one of our threat intelligence newsletters: Click here.
