Plymouth-based HMS Somerset has once again been tracking a Russian task group in the English Channel.
The Type 23 frigate was part of an allied NATO operation in monitoring the Russian corvette Boikiy and a merchant vessel, Baltic Leader, believed to have come from the Port of Tartus in Syria.
UK patrol planes were also working overhead with allied assets.
The Baltic Leader reportedly had armed men in military uniforms and machine guns.
Just two weeks ago, another Plymouth-based warship, HMS Iron Duke, was keeping a watch on other Russian vessels, together with HMS Tyne and RFA Tideforce.
HMS Somerset was deployed at short notice last Christmas and the New Year to monitor a group of Russian vessels sailing from the North Sea into the English Channel.
