The Royal Navy is tracking a Russian reconnaissance ship in the English Channel. To protect the country's maritime infrastructure, the UK will also provide aircraft to the new NATO unit, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense and the UK government website.

The Royal Navy has been monitoring a Russian spy ship after it was spotted around UK waters earlier this week, the defence secretary has told MPs. John Healey said the vessel, Yantar, was used for gathering intelligence and mapping the UK's critical underwater infrastructure.

Britain’s defence minister has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that “we will not shy away from robust action” after telling Parliament that a Russian spy vessel had been operating in UK waters this week.