Russia’s missile frigate Neustrashimy "shadowed by the Royal Navy carried out live-fire exercises yesterday [Monday] in international waters, about 40 nautical miles [roughly 75 km] south of Plymouth," a defense ministry spokesperson said.
Neustrashimy was being monitored by the British patrol ship HMS Tyne when its crew suddenly announced it would begin live-fire drills and demanded the shadowing vessel move to a safe distance. The exercise lasted about half an hour.
Wes Streeting, appointed defense secretary on Monday under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government, said the incident should be seen "as performative and irresponsible". He added: "This is not the first time Russia has behaved this way, and frankly, it's the tip of the iceberg of the daily threats facing this country and its allies".
A source close to the defense ministry described the situation to the Daily Telegraph as "highly unusual", noting the surrounding waters are typically crowded with ships and boats. The newspaper suggested the drill may have been intended as a show of force directed at Britain's new prime minister. The Guardian also highlighted the timing of the two events.
"Not entirely a coincidence"
Former head of the British Army Lord Richard Dannatt told Times Radio: "This is not entirely a coincidence that a Russian warship carried out live-fire exercises on the very day Andy Burnham became prime minister. This is a signal from the Kremlin: 'We are here, we are powerful, and what are you going to do about it?'"
The Neustrashimy is armed with anti-ship cruise missiles and a 100mm gun capable of firing 50 rounds per minute.
The Guardian noted that tensions between Moscow and London at sea have risen recently. In mid-June, Royal Marines commandos boarded a Russian tanker belonging to the so-called "shadow fleet", and a Russian frigate fired warning shots at a yacht carrying a retired couple through the English Channel.
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Source: PAP