Royal Air Force Typhoons Buzz Russia’s Carrier
Russia’s only carrier and its escorts are heading home, but not without a visit by the Brits first.
After having a less than stellar cruise to the Mediterranean, Russia’s carrier and its armada are making their slow voyage back to their home base in frigid Severomorsk. As it made its way north through the English Channel, the UK Ministry of Defense not only shadowed the flotilla with a Type 23 Frigate, the HMS St. Albans, but it also sent a trio of Eurofighter Typhoons to make low passes near and around it.
The results of the mission included some awesome pics, check them out below:
All images MoD Crown Copyright.
Some may wonder what objective is being met by sending Typhoons out on such a mission. Beyond a show of force and a killer photo op, their presence is likely at least partially a symptom of the fact that the UK has been without a proper maritime patrol aircraft for many years. This deficiency is planned to be righted by an order of P-8 Poseidons which will be able to accomplish myriad of missions beyond basic sea control, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare duties.
Defense Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon, said the following about monitoring the Kuznetsov as it made its way through the channel:
“We are keeping a close eye on the Admiral Kuznetsov as it skulks back to Russia; a ship of shame whose mission has only extended the suffering of the Syrian people. We are man-marking these vessels every step of the way around the UK as part of our steadfast commitment to keep Britain safe.”
Not friendly words, to say the least. Here's a video shot while the jets were airborne over the Kuznetsov:
Contact the author Tyler@thedrive.com
MORE TO READ
Related
Russian Carrier Headed Home After Just Two Months Off Syrian Coast
The ship’s deployment was far from triumphant.
Related
What Oddities Can You Spot In This Tour Of Russia’s Aging Aircraft Carrier?
As the Admiral Kuznetsov executes air strikes on Syria we can get a glimpse of what lies beneath her black smoke trail and dark gray skin in this amateur video.
Related
An Undersea Game of Cat-and-Mouse Is Afoot off Syria as Air Strikes Loom
Russia’s naval task force in the Med is chasing off NATO submarines as massive strikes on Syrian targets appear imminent.
Related
Russia’s Carrier Was Designed To Be Heavily Armed Even Without Its Air Wing
The Admiral Kuznetsov’s most powerful combat punch has nothing to do with the aircraft it carries.
Related