Royal Navy warship HMS Trent, supported by a Wildcat helicopter and allied vessels, has shadowed Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov and two tankers through British waters during a five-day operation. The patrol began off Great Yarmouth, with HMS Trent closely monitoring the Russian ships as they transited the English Channel towards Ushant, where they met and then sailed eastward, all under continued surveillance.

The operation is described by the Royal Navy as a demonstration of the government's commitment to safeguarding national security and the integrity of UK waters. HMS Trent, recently returned from missions abroad, worked alongside European allies, showcasing multinational cooperation and deterrence.

However, defence experts have raised concerns about the navy's increasing reliance on lightly-armed offshore patrol vessels for such operations, citing a shortage of more powerful warships. The shrinking fleet, with many frigates and destroyers in maintenance or deployed elsewhere, has prompted worries about the UK's ability to respond to potential threats.

The Royal Navy maintains that it has sufficient assets to protect the country, including warships, submarines, aircraft, and advanced technology, and is investing in new vessels and capabilities to strengthen its defences.