The Royal Navy has scrambled a warship to shadow a Russian frigate spotted moving through the English Channel.
HMS St Albans was deployed to escort the Admiral Golovko out of UK waters after it was seen heading east.
The Plymouth-based warship kept close watch on Vladimir Putin's frigate throughout the operation.
Once the Admiral Golovko entered Mediterranean waters, Nato allies took over the escort duty.
A Merlin helicopter was also deployed during the operation to track the Russian ship from above and gather intelligence.
Once the Admiral Golovko entered Mediterranean waters, NATO allies took over the escort duty
GETTY
HMS St Albans worked alongside HMS Mersey during the operation, with logistical support provided by RFA Tidesurge.
HMS St Albans Commanding Officer, Commander Matt Teare, said: "HMS St Albans is at very high readiness to operate whenever, and wherever, the nation needs us in the protection of our home and the waters surrounding it."
"We have twice been activated in recent weeks to conduct this type of operation and I am extremely proud of the professionalism of my crew and their tireless dedication to keeping our nation safe," he added.
The interception comes just two weeks after HMS St Albans was deployed on a similar mission, shadowing the Russian Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoikiy for three days.
MORE LIKE THIS:
Commander Teare noted: "HMS St Albans is currently operating as part of a Nato Task Group and the regularity of Russian activity around the United Kingdom reinforces the vital importance of continuous integration with our allies and partners."
Earlier in March, another armed Russian warship was spotted escorting a sanctioned cargo vessel through the English Channel.
The Royal Navy monitored corvette Boikiy as it guided the Baltic Leader through UK waters.
HMS Somerset, a Type 23 frigate, "watched every move" of the vessels as they transited the North Sea and the Channel.
The Royal Navy has scrambled a warship to shadow a Russian frigate
GETTY
The British frigate used its Merlin helicopter to gather intelligence while working alongside Nato allies.
These operations underscore Britain's commitment to maritime security and cooperation with Nato partners.
Meanwhile, the Royal Navy's biggest warship, HMS Prince of Wales, set sail from Portsmouth on Wednesday to begin an eight-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific.
The Navy continues to maintain its readiness to respond to foreign naval activity in British waters.
