The Royal Navy intercepted a Russian spy ship, identified as the Vishnya-class intelligence-gathering vessel Viktor Leonov, off the coast of Scotland while it was closely monitoring NATO war games. Merlin helicopters were dispatched from Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose to track the vessel.
The Viktor Leonov was observed sailing near the Outer Hebrides from September 29 to October 8, according to the Royal Navy. Its presence coincided with Exercise Strike Warrior, a NATO drill involving approximately 2,000 personnel from six allied nations.
Captain James Hall, commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose, stated, "I am immensely proud of the efforts of our people, who have once again demonstrated that the UK is prepared to respond to immediate operational requirements." He added, "This operation has been a critical means for demonstrating to ourselves, our adversaries and the nation that we are willing and capable of securing the homeland 24/7. The Merlin Helicopter Force stands ready to answer the call at a moment’s notice."
The Merlin helicopter force recently received an upgrade with state-of-the-art sonobuoys as part of a £40 million revamp aimed at enhancing its ability to track Russian submarines.
This incident follows a pattern of increased Russian naval activity in and around British waters. In October, HMS Dauntless and HMS Tyne were deployed to track a Russian frigate, Neustrashimy, escorting sanctioned cargo ships through the Channel. Subsequently, HMS Tyne and a Wildcat helicopter monitored the RFN Aleksandr Shabalin, also escorting a cargo vessel. Additionally, an RAF Protector RG1 drone spent over 10 hours tracking foreign vessels during the same period.
Official figures indicate that Russian activity in and around British waters has increased by 25 percent during the first seven months of the year compared to the same period in 2025. In June, Royal Marine Commandos seized a Russian shadow tanker, Smyrtos, in a military operation aimed at disrupting the trade of sanctioned oil.