Footage shows HMS Iron Duke shadowing Russian task group in the English Channel

Take a look at the footage of the Royal Navy shadowing Russian vessels in the Channel as they retreated from Syria.

The Russian task group was shadowed in a concentrated operation this week.

HMS Iron Duke, HMS Tyne, a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron and RFA Tideforce reported on every move of landing ships, RFS Aleksandr Otrakovskiy and RFS Ivan Gren, and merchant vessels Sparta, Sparta II and General Skobelev and oiler Yelnya.

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The Royal Navy said: "The group of six Russian vessels departed the Mediterranean recently, sailing through the busy international shipping lane in the English Channel as they sailed towards a Russian Baltic port."

Commander David Armstrong, HMS Iron Duke's Commanding Officer, added: "Whilst this particular Russian task group was not assessed to pose a specific threat to the UK, this closely coordinated operation demonstrates our steadfast determination to protect our nation's territorial seas and Critical National Infrastructure; on which our economic prosperity depends.

"It is not enough to hope passing non-allied warships will not threaten our maritime security – we will be there to make sure they can't."

The vessels maintained constant watch on the Russian task group, "utilising a range of sensors and cutting-edge technology to ensure accurate reporting of the transit" said the Royal Navy.

Plymouth-based frigate Iron Duke – the Royal Navy's Fleet Ready Escort – was activated to meet tanker Tideforce and patrol ship Tyne as the Russians entered the Channel.

While this is routine for the navy, it is still a skilled and complex operation, requiring close coordination and seamless cooperation with European allies, which deployed their own naval and air force assets.

This latest operation follows the shadowing of a suspected Russian spy ship by HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne last month. The Yantar was tracked through the Channel and Strait of Dover.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: "I'd like to praise our extraordinary service personnel for their professionalism in shadowing these vessels back to Russia.

"These ships were retreating from Syria after Putin abandoned his ally Assad, yet they were still armed and full of ammunition. This shows Russia is weakened but remains a threat. And not just in Ukraine. We are watching their every move."