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Royal Navy intercepts Russian submarine heading for English Channel and escorts it past Kent coast

A Royal Navy warship is today shadowing a Russian submarine sailing towards the Strait of Dover.
HMS Kent had first located the Kilo class Stary Osko in the North Sea on Sunday as it sailed south past the UK's eastern coast.

The Royal Navy said that the boat, reportedly armed with missiles and torpedoes, was moving south towards the English Channel and sailing on the surface, which is usual for that type of vessel.

HMS Kent shadowing the Russian submarine in the North Sea.
HMS Kent shadowing the Russian submarine in the North Sea.

This is the latest face-off between British and Russian military following several incursions by aircraft into UK airspace.

Defence secretary Michael Fallon said: “This shows the Navy is maintaining a vigilant watch to keep Britain safe and protect us from potential threats.”

HMS Kent's commander Daniel Thomas said: "Locating this submarine was a combined effort with NATO allies and shadowing such units is routine activity for the Royal Navy.

Royal Navy warship HMS Kent intercepted the sub. Library image.
Royal Navy warship HMS Kent intercepted the sub. Library image.

"We continue to escort the submarine as its conducts is passage, providing a visible presence."

HMS Kent, a Type 23 Duke Class frigate, sailed from Scapa Flow to escort the Russian submarine, following the recent Battle of Jutland Centenary commemorations.

There she marked the two minutes' silence and fired a 21 gun salute in the presence of The Princess Roya, Princess Anne, and Prime Minister David Cameron.

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