British frigate intercepted Russian submarine in the North Sea
NATO forces have escorted a Russian submarine in the North Sea. The Russian diesel-electric submarine Stary Oskol is making its way to the Black Sea Fleet.
A Russian submarine was detected by NATO forces in the North Sea and then intercepted by a Royal Navy warship. The submarine, Stary Oskol was escorted by the HMS Kent frigate on its path through the English Channel, The Telegraph reported.
According to the Secretary of State for Defense, Michael Fallon, the interception of the submarine shows that the fleet exercises vigilant control over international and territorial waters, maintaining the security of Britain and protecting it from potential threats.
“The detection of the submarine was the result of the joint efforts of NATO allies,” the captain of the British frigate, Daniel Thomas stated. According to NATO classification, it is a Kilo-class submarine and, according to journalists, the Stary Oskol diesel-electric submarine is capable of carrying cruise missiles.
On the 7th of June, Interfax reported that the Stary Oskol diesel-electric submarine was crossing through the North Sea to its new permanent base as part of the Black Sea Fleet after the completion of tests at the testing sites of the Northern Fleet, where it was escorted by a Dutch Tromp-class missile frigate.
The Russian Ministry of Defense wrote on Facebook that it is "surprised that detection of the slowly moving submarine in surface trim and escorted by the tug boat demanded joint efforts of the Royal Navy and the NATO allies [sic]."