2020’s Top Ten Stories: Poseidon protects UK waters against Russian warship

In at number 4, the RAF’s Poseidon shadows a Russian warship. As we countdown to 2021, we are taking a look at some of our most-read stories from the last year.

Each day in the run-up to New Year’s Day we will be reposting our most-read stories from 2020.

So far we’ve had;

10–2020’s Top Ten Stories: Inside Strategic Command

9–2020’s Top Ten Stories: Airborne soldiers make history

8–2020’s Top Ten Stories: What kit does an Apache Pilot carry?

7–2020’s Top Ten Stories: 5 things to know about the Poseidon

6–2020’s Top Ten Stories: a couple on the frontline

5–2020’s Top Ten Stories: Military Aid to Civil Authorities (MACA)

Poseidon protects UK waters against Russian warship

The new RAF submarine-hunting aircraft completed its first mission shadowing a Russian warship in the North Sea in August.

RAF P-8A Poseidon flies over Vasily Bykov over the North Sea.

The Royal Air Force once again intercepted Russian activity. But this was a first for the RAF’s new P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The sub-hunting aircraft completed its first operational mission, shadowing a Russian warship in the North Sea near UK waters.

Monitoring and tracking activity in the airspace and seas around the UK is paramount to our security. It keeps us safe.

Aircraft from the RAF and vessels from the Royal Navy ensure our seas and skies are defended at all times.

• In Pictures: Introducing the RAF’s new submarine hunter 🛫
• Intercepting a Russian aircraft

Oblique and overviews of the Vasily Bykov transiting through the North Sea on 3 August 2020 as captured by the P-8A Poseidon.

As the Poseidon aircraft kept watch of the Russian vessel it was supported by Typhoon fighter jets and the Voyager refuelling aircraft.

This mission shows that together, both the RAF, Royal Navy and our NATO allies will secure the seas and skies to keep us safe.

This new aircraft offers a mighty blend of tracking options and associated weapons able to find vessels above and below the waves.

Allowing the RAF to complete effective joint maritime operations with the Royal Navy.

VIP Voyager refuelling aircraft with Typhoon over the North Sea.

Find out where else the UK Armed Forces are deployed here:👇