Navy launches 5-day op as 'intelligence gathering' Putin ship seen in UK waters

Royal Navy warships and helicopters have been launched for the second time this month after an 'intelligence gathering' Russian ship was spotted in UK waters.
HMS Dragon monitored Russian intelligence gathering ship Yuri Ivanov as it loitered in waters off the Outer Hebrides following the completion of major NATO exercise Formidable Shield that took place nearby. A five-day operation which began on May 18 tracked Russian vessels and escorted them through the UK's sea-lanes, the Royal Navy said. It followed the activation of HMS Tyne three weeks ago. Warships and helicopters were activated in a bid to 'ensure the security and integrity of the UK's critical sea-lanes', Lieutenant Commander James Bradshaw said.
HMS Dragon, a destroyer based in Portsmouth, launched a Merlin helicopter to collect aerial information until the Yuri Ivanov headed north towards its base in the Arctic. Three Russian vessels, two cargo boats and a warship, RFN Stoikiy, were shadowed by HMS Ledbury, HMS Hurworth and 814 Naval Air Squadron, the Royal Navy added.

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