by David Lindfield
A Russian warship carried out a live-fire artillery exercise just 40 nautical miles from Britain’s southern coast while being closely tracked by the Royal Navy.
The Russian frigate Neustrashimy opened fire in international waters south of Plymouth on Monday morning as HMS Tyne shadowed the vessel.
A French military aircraft also monitored the warship and contacted it by radio to demand clarification of its intentions.
Before beginning the drill, the Russian frigate informed HMS Tyne that it planned to conduct gunnery exercises and instructed the Royal Navy patrol vessel to move to a safer distance.
HMS Tyne complied and continued monitoring the exercise, which lasted approximately 30 minutes.
Russian Frigate Conducts Live-Fire Drill
The artillery exercise began at around 9 a.m. Monday and took place approximately 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth.
“A Russian naval vessel shadowed by the Royal Navy conducted a live-fire weapons exercise in international waters approximately 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth yesterday,” a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said.
“The Royal Navy monitored that exercise throughout, continues to track the vessel’s activity closely, and stands ready to protect UK national security.”
The incident occurred one day after Andy Burnham became prime minister.
UK defence sources have not said whether the timing of the exercise was intended to coincide with the start of Burnham’s premiership.
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