Russian Warships Enter English Channel

Russian warships have entered the English Channel.

The Interfax news agency say the vessels are on their way to the North Atlantic for a series of planned anti-aircraft and anti-submarine drills.

The MoD have confirmed the Royal Navy's HMS Argyll is monitoring the three ships. 

The RAF was also forced to scramble two Typhoon fighters this afternoon after Russian bombers approached UK airspace. 

While it is not unusual for Russian ships to pass through the Channel the move coincides with NATO's bi-annual Exercise Joint Warrior which is currently taking place off the coast of Scotland.

Under the terms of a European Arms Control treaty a number of Russian military inspectors are also in attendance. Escorted at all times and not shown any sensitive information they're reported to have already visited RAF Lossiemouth.

Joint Warrior started on the 11th April and runs until the 24th. Taking part are 55 ships and submarines, 70 aircraft and 13,000 personnel from 13 participating countries. 

The Royal Navy is out in force with HMS Ocean, apparently carrying Apache, Chinook and Sea King helicopters, among those involved.

Amphibious landings on western beaches near the Isle of Arran will take place as well air activity over South Wales and England - with RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Marham, RAF Leeming and RAF Brize Norton acting as airbases.

The exercise, described by the US Navy as the largest scale ever of these drills, is designed to improve joint military operations between participating countries. 

It all comes amid heightened tensions between the Kremlin and the West.

Earlier this week the Pentagon revealed a Russian fighter jet had come within 7 metres of a US surveillance aircraft.