Putin patrol: Navy tracks Russian subs in North Sea
A ROYAL Navy warship chased two Russian submarines in the North Sea in a dramatic operation also involving helicopters and patrol aircraft.
HMS Portland and her 180-strong crew shadowed the Severodvinsk and the Vepr after the boats surfaced unexpectedly off the Norwegian coast. The frigate’s Merlin helicopter, equipped with sonars and sensors, reported their movements while a P8 Poseidon maritime aircraft was scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. The submarines appeared on July 16 and July 19 but the incidents were confirmed only yesterday by the Ministry of Defence.
HMS Portland commander Tim Leeder said: ‘The cohesiveness of Royal Navy, RAF and our allies’ capabilities ensure we are capable of conducting and sustaining these types of anti- submarine operations in the North Atlantic. This is a strategically crucial role.’
The Severodvinsk, commissioned in 2013, belongs to Russia’s Yassen class, considered the best attack submarines in its navy.
The sub’s stealth is thought to be on a par with its Royal Navy and Nato adversaries. The Vepr is an older Akula II-class sub.
At the time they were located, both submarines were heading south along the Norwegian coast from the Arctic and towards UK waters. Russian submarine activity in the North Sea is at its highest level since the Cold War.
It peaked earlier this year to coincide with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.