British warship shadows Russia’s Ropucha-class landing ships through English Channel

March 6, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The Royal Navy shadowed two sanctioned Russian cargo ships and their escorting warships in the past week in UK waters as part of a concentrated NATO effort from the Mediterranean to the North Sea.

Portsmouth-based patrol ship HMS Tyne and a Wildcat helicopter from Yeovilton-based 815 Naval Air Squadron were dispatched to intercept Russian Navy Ropucha-class landing ship Aleksandr Otrakovsky and merchant vessel Sparta IV.

During the Russians’ voyage through the Atlantic, English Channel, and into the North Sea, British warship Tyne utilised powerful sensors and radars, with the Wildcat simultaneously flying a sortie over the Channel to provide additional surveillance and security.

The Russian vessels were first intercepted by HMS Cutlass of the Royal Navy’s Gibraltar Squadron as they sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar’s Traffic Separation Scheme, before a warship tracked their journey north. Then, HMS Tyne was activated for monitoring duties in the Atlantic approaches to the Channel.

Just 48 hours after this operation was complete, HMS Tyne and a Wildcat were activated again to track another Russian Ropucha-class warship, Aleksandr Shabalin, and cargo vessel MV Sabetta as they sailed westward through the English Channel.

“While our UK forces are in action in the Middle East to protect British people, British interests and our partners, this operation sends a warning to Putin: we are watching you. Iran’s dangerous indiscriminate attacks will not distract us from deterring Russia and supporting Ukraine. We are ready to track, deter and defend our nation,” Defense Secretary John Healey said.

Commander James Woods, Commanding Officer of 815 Naval Air Squadron, said: “This activation demonstrated the professionalism, speed and effectiveness that 815 Naval Air Squadron brings to operations at home and abroad. Our aircrew and engineers delivered clear, timely situational awareness and integrated seamlessly with HMS Tyne.”

“Wildcat remains a potent maritime strike platform, providing a visible and persistent presence at sea. The aircraft’s ability to support UK precision‑effect capabilities with Martlet and Sea Venom reinforces the vital role it plays in maritime security.”