The drone monitored the Russian frigate Neustrashimyy in the English Channel for over 10 hours
The Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom has used the Protector RG1 reconnaissance drone for the first time to monitor the activity of the Russian naval fleet. The UAV operated in tandem with ships and helicopters in the English Channel area. This was reported by Ukrinform citing the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
The Protector RG1 unmanned aerial vehicle completed a series of its first operational flights, patrolling the airspace over the English Channel. The asset was integrated into the monitoring system alongside combat ships and aviation for long-term surveillance of Russian vessels.
Between October 1 and 14, the destroyer HMS Dauntless and the patrol ship HMS Tyne escorted the Russian frigate Neustrashimyy. During this time, the UAV provided constant reconnaissance, assisting in the coordination of Royal Navy units in both civilian and military airspace.
Monitoring Russian activity
Beyond incidents in the English Channel, British military personnel monitored the Russian Victor Leonov-class intelligence vessel near the Outer Hebrides. This surveillance took place in parallel with NATO’s Strike Warrior exercises, which involved over 2,000 military personnel from six nations.
In mid-October, HMS Tyne also monitored the transit of an Aleksandr Shabalin-class landing ship and a Ropucha-class vessel en route to the Baltic Sea. Operations involved Wildcat and Merlin helicopters to enhance control over Russian naval movements in the North Sea.
UK defence spending
The intensity of Royal Navy operations due to Russian activity has risen by 25% in the first seven months of 2026 compared to the previous year. In response, the country plans to allocate 298 billion pounds to defence needs over the next four years.
“This demonstrates how we are constantly innovating to track and deter threats,” said Defence Secretary Wes Streeting. Furthermore, the government will provide 330 million pounds to protect critical subsea infrastructure and develop advanced anti-submarine capabilities.
Photo: Королівські ВПС Великої Британії
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