The UK’s Royal Navy tracked the Russian corvette Boikiy and military cargo ship Baltic Leader in a three-day operation. This surveillance, part of growing naval activities termed the “Syrian Express,” involved coordination with NATO forces and aerial support. The Baltic Leader is suspected of transporting arms from Syria and has a controversial legal history regarding sanctions violations.
The UK’s Royal Navy recently completed a three-day operation monitoring a Russian warship and a military cargo ship, suspected of transporting arms from Syria. This event is part of an escalating pattern of Russian naval activity in the English Channel, dubbed the “Syrian Express” by The Times (London).
The Russian corvette Boikiy was first identified moving south from the Baltic Sea, prompting the Royal Navy to dispatch HMS Somerset, a Type 23 frigate based in Portsmouth, for surveillance. According to Commander Joel Roberts, HMS Somerset has a history of escorting Russian vessels, enhancing its operational effectiveness in such missions.
The operation involved not only HMS Somerset but also coordination with UK patrol aircraft and NATO allies, including the Belgian minehunter BNS Crocus. To gather intelligence, Somerset deployed its Merlin helicopter during the mission, emphasizing the multi-faceted approach to the tracking operation.
During its transit, Boikiy met with the cargo ship Baltic Leader, which is believed to have come from the Russian Tartus naval base in Syria. Reports earlier indicated the Baltic Leader was engaged in transporting military equipment as part of Russia’s withdrawal of forces amid the recent political shifts in Syria. Satellite images verified military equipment presence at the Tartus dock when Baltic Leader arrived.
Witnesses from a fishing vessel captured images revealing military personnel onboard the Baltic Leader with machine guns during the transit. This operation spanned from March 1 to March 3, as both ships moved toward the North Sea and subsequently to the Baltic.
The RoRo cargo ship, Baltic Leader, known for ferrying Russian equipment, faced legal challenges previously when detained by France over sanction violations. Following a conflict regarding its ownership, the captain of the ship was acquitted in 2024 after facing prosecution. Earlier this year, Portugal also monitored the vessel on another journey related to the “Syrian Express.”
HMS Somerset has been actively engaged in tracking Russian naval activities in 2023, having previously tracked the suspected spy ship Yantar in January alongside HMS Tyne. Additionally, two weeks ago, a convoy including HMS Iron Duke and RFA Tideforce was involved in monitoring five Russian ships, indicating ongoing surveillance efforts by the Royal Navy in the region.
The Royal Navy continues to maintain vigilant surveillance of Russian naval activity in the English Channel, exemplified by the recent tracking operation involving the corvette Boikiy and cargo ship Baltic Leader. This operation highlights the importance of international collaboration and national defense readiness, particularly as Russia adjusts its military presence in the region following developments in Syria. HMS Somerset’s repeated engagements in such missions underscore the ongoing challenges faced by naval forces in monitoring strategic maritime routes.
Original Source: maritime-executive.com
