Russian warship carries out live-firing exercise off UK coast

Russian warship carries out live-firing exercise off UK coast The Russian frigate was being shadowed by a Royal Navy ship - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments A Russian warship carried out a live-fire artillery exercise off the coast of Plymouth on Monday, the Ministry of Defence said. The Russian frigate, Neustrashimy, was being shadowed by a Royal Navy ship and a French military aircraft during the operation, which lasted around 30 minutes. The warship is understood to have informed the Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel HMS Tyne of its intentions ahead of time, the BBC reports. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "A Russian naval vessel shadowed by the Royal Navy conducted a live-fire weapons exercise in international waters approximately 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth yesterday. "The Royal Navy monitored that exercise throughout, continues to track the vessel's activity closely, and stands ready to protect UK national security." The Independent approached the Ministry of Defence for comment. The exercise took place in international waters and lasted for 30 minutes, according to the BBC. Last month, the Navy said it had carried out a three-month long “unbroken watch” on Russian warships and accompanying vessels in UK waters, including a frigate which fired a warning shot on a British yacht. Five navy ships were involved in the monitoring of the Admiral Grigorovich, which opened fire in the incident involving the yacht Bright Future south of the Isle of Wight on 16 June. This news is breaking: more to follow Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments