Russian frigate conducts 30‑minute live‑fire exercise 40nm south of Plymouth

A Russian frigate, Neustrashimy, carried out a live‑fire artillery exercise 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth while being monitored by the Royal Navy and a French military aircraft, the Ministry of Defence said. The exercise, which lasted 30 minutes in international waters, was tracked closely by the Royal Navy, and the French aircraft made radio contact to ask the warship to clarify its intentions.

The BBC was told the Russian vessel informed the Royal Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Tyne before opening fire and requested that HMS Tyne reposition to a safer distance; HMS Tyne complied. The live‑fire activity occurred in international waters and did not take place within UK or French territorial seas.

Defence sources noted the exercise followed recent incidents involving Russian naval vessels near UK waters, including a Royal Marines boarding of an oil tanker in the English Channel and a previous encounter in which the frigate Admiral Grigorovich fired warning shots off the Isle of Wight. The Ministry of Defence confirmed it continued to monitor the Neustrashimy’s movements.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The reported facts indicate that the Neustrashimy conducted a planned gunnery exercise in international waters 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth, was tracked by the Royal Navy, and contacted by a French military aircraft. HMS Tyne was informed and repositioned at the Russian ship’s request. The exercise lasted 30 minutes and was confirmed by MOD sources.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Russian frigate Neustrashimy conducted a 30‑minute live‑fire exercise 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth.
• The Royal Navy monitored the exercise and the French military aircraft made radio contact with the Russian warship.
• HMS Tyne was informed before firing and repositioned at the Russian ship’s request; the activity occurred in international waters.