Key facts
- A Russian warship, the Neustrashimy, conducted a live-fire exercise 45 miles south of Plymouth.
- The exercise occurred in international waters and lasted 30 minutes.
- The Royal Navy vessel HMS Tyne was informed and moved to a safe distance.
- A French military aircraft also monitored the drill.
- The Ministry of Defence confirmed the Royal Navy monitored the activity.
A Russian warship, the Neustrashimy frigate, conducted a rare live-fire exercise in the Channel 45 miles south of Plymouth on Monday. The vessel announced its intention to fire its guns and requested that the British warship HMS Tyne, which had been tracking it, retreat to a safe distance. The patrol vessel HMS Tyne repositioned, allowing the Russian frigate to conduct a 30-minute firing drill in international waters. Russian warships have been sailing around British waters for much of 2026, with the Neustrashimy arriving earlier this month to replace the Admiral Grigorovich. Conducting such an exercise at short notice near another country is rare but legal if proper safety warnings are given. The Neustrashimy is armed with anti-ship cruise missiles and a 100mm gun. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed the Royal Navy monitored the exercise throughout and continues to track the vessel's activity closely, standing ready to protect UK national security. A French military aircraft also observed the Neustrashimy and made radio contact.
Maritime tensions between the UK and Russia are at a heightened state, with a Russia-linked oil tanker seized in the Channel last month prompting warnings of potential Russian retaliation. Russian warships' presence can be psychological and tie up UK naval resources.