RAF Protector drone takes to UK skies to track Russian naval activity for the first time

• RAF Protector RG1 has flown its first operational sorties in UK airspace, providing surveillance over the English Channel
• Protector joined Royal Navy warships and helicopters to track a Russian warship for more than 10 hours
• Latest operation demonstrates UK's round-the-clock monitoring and deterrence of Russian activity in and around our waters

An RAF remotely piloted aircraft has been deployed operationally in UK airspace for the first time alongside Royal Navy warships and helicopters, as British forces monitored Russian naval activity around the country.

The unarmed Protector RG1 flew over the English Channel, providing more than 10 hours of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance coverage in support of national maritime tasking.

The milestone came as Royal Navy warships and helicopters carried out a series of operations monitoring Russian vessels in the English Channel, North Sea and waters west of Scotland.

Between late September and mid-October, HMS Tyne, HMS Dauntless, Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, and RAF Protector RG1 aircraft contributed to the monitoring of Russian naval activity in the English Channel, North Sea and waters west of Scotland.

The deployment comes as the UK responds to persistent Russian activity in and around our waters, with Britain's Armed Forces working around the clock alongside NATO allies to monitor and deter potential threats and protect our national interests. Royal Navy activity monitoring Russian movements increased by 25% during the first seven months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.

Against this backdrop, the UK is delivering the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, with £298bn over the next four years. At the Budget the Chancellor set out plans to increase spending to 3% of GDP on defence in 2030, as part of our pathway to spending 3.5% by 2035.

Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, said:

Our armed forces work together every day, around the clock, to keep our country safe and safeguard our national interests.

For the first time, Protector has joined Royal Navy warships and helicopters monitoring activity around our shores, demonstrating how we are constantly innovating to monitor and deter threats and irresponsible provocation.

From 1 to 14 October, Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless and offshore patrol vessel HMS Tyne monitored Russian frigate RFN Neustrashimy as it transited the English Channel alongside associated merchant vessels.

At the same time, RAF Protector RG1 conducted its first operational sorties in UK airspace.

The remotely piloted aircraft demonstrated its ability to provide persistent surveillance in support of operations while flying alongside other military and civilian air traffic.

Wing Commander Sam Haley, Officer Commanding XIII Squadron, said:

"Protector's first operational sorties in UK airspace demonstrate the significant value this capability brings to UK Defence. Working alongside Royal Navy vessels, it provided persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance coverage, highlighting its ability to operate seamlessly across military and civilian airspace in support of maritime security, NATO commitments and wider UK tasking."

Meanwhile, Merlin helicopters from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose deployed to Glasgow Prestwick Airport as part of Operation Iceblast to support multiple maritime security operations. Operation Iceblast was designed to test the ability of Merlin Helicopter Force to deploy away from its home base of RNAS Culdrose in force and at short notice, demonstrating the capability of securing the homeland 24/7.

Between 29 September and 8 October, the helicopters tracked the Vishnya-class intelligence-gathering vessel Viktor Leonov operating near the Outer Hebrides. The vessel was operating in the vicinity of NATO units participating in Exercise Strike Warrior, a multinational exercise involving more than 2,000 personnel from six nations.

Between 11 and 14 October, HMS Tyne was also tasked to monitor RFN Aleksandr Shabalin as the Ropucha-class landing ship transited the English Channel alongside cargo vessel MV Energy-2 and tugboat Proton. Supported by a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron, HMS Tyne tracked the vessels as they proceeded towards the Baltic region.

Commander Neil Skinner, Commanding Officer of HMS Dauntless, said:

"The Royal Navy's ability to monitor activity around the United Kingdom is an important part of maintaining awareness of the maritime environment.

"HMS Dauntless monitored the movements of RFN Neustrashimy during her transit through the English Channel, contributing to the wider maritime picture and supporting UK maritime security."

The operations form part of the UK's routine contribution to maritime security and collective NATO defence, demonstrating how Royal Navy and Royal Air Force capabilities work together to maintain awareness of activity in areas of national interest and support the security of UK waters and airspace.

The UK is also investing in the next generation of maritime capabilities to respond to the growing Russian threat. This includes £330 million over four years to strengthen the protection of critical underwater infrastructure, improving seabed monitoring and surveillance and developing advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Through Atlantic Bastion, the Royal Navy is bringing together warships, patrol aircraft and autonomous systems to strengthen the UK's ability to counter the persistent Russian undersea threat in the North Atlantic.

We are clear-eyed about the threat Russia poses, and are investing in the ships, aircraft and cutting-edge technology needed to track potential threats, strengthen deterrence and protect Britain.