Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Hms-Duncan

On October 22, 2023, the Royal Navy's HMS Duncan set sail to monitor the movements of the Russian destroyer, Vice-Admiral Kulakov (Вице-адмирал Кулаков), as it traversed the English Channel. The HMS Duncan intercepted the Russian vessel in the North Sea, tracking its westward path through the Channel towards the island of Ouessant. This operation was conducted under the auspices of the NATO alliance, with significant contributions from both the Dutch and French Navies. A Wildcat helicopter from the 815 Naval Air Squadron, based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, provided crucial aerial support, ensuring continuous surveillance during the mission. Allied air assets were also involved, including the Dutch Air Force’s NH90 helicopter and various units from the French Navy. The destination of the Vice-Admiral Kulakov remains unclear, but the operation marked a historic moment, being the first instance of a Royal Navy warship deployed directly under NATO command for such an operation. This mission reflects the ongoing commitment of NATO to enhance security in Northern Europe. For additional details and accompanying photographs, visit the following reports: [HLN](https://www.hln.be/buitenland/britse-torpedojager-volgt-namens-navo-russisch-oorlogsschip-door-kanaal~ac0852c1/), [Le Parisien](https://www.leparisien.fr/international/manche-la-marine-britannique-deployee-pour-surveiller-un-navire-russe-aux-larges-des-cotes-francaises-22-10-2025-BRNH6K3PHJBM3GLTW7TR4IDD4Q.php), [GB News](https://www.gbnews.com/news/royal-navy-warship-shadows-russian-vessel-historic-first).

In a notable display of maritime vigilance, Royal Navy vessels have once again stepped in to monitor Russian naval traffic in UK waters. On June 20, 2025, HMS 'Duncan' commenced an escort operation for the Russian corvette 'Boikiy' as it navigated through the English Channel near the Brittany coast. The following day, June 21, HMS 'Mersey' took over the escort duties as the 'Boikiy' moved eastward past the Isle of Wight, allowing HMS 'Duncan' to return to training exercises. UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard remarked that there has been an uptick in Russian warships transiting the English Channel and confirmed that a Royal Navy vessel would be dispatched to monitor them each time for the protection of British waters and the security of undersea cables. The 'Boikiy', a Steregushchy-class corvette commissioned in 2013, had previously been tracked in UK waters by HMS 'Tyne' in May and shadowed by HMS 'Somerset' in March. Equipped with advanced sensors and robust radar systems, HMS 'Duncan' closely observed the movements of the 'Boikiy', which was reportedly on its way back from the west African coastline. Notably, the Russian vessel was noted to be missing an anchor during the transit. Furthermore, recently, HMS 'Trent' and Wildcat helicopters from the 815 Naval Air Squadron were involved in shadowing the Russian frigate 'Admiral Grigorovich' as it passed through Gibraltar, the English Channel, and into the North Sea. HMS 'Mersey' has been actively tracking Russian naval activities, having done so on five separate occasions this year. For more visual insights, see the report with photos at https://www.forcesnews.com/services/navy/royal-navy-warships-team-shadow-russian-vessel-passing-through-uk-waters.