Russian warship carried out live firing exercise off Plymouth coast

Danni Scott | Live News reporter Published July 21, 2026 7:24am Updated July 21, 2026 7:24am A Russian warship was spotted off the Plymouth coast (Picture: Royal Navy / SWNS) A Russian warship carried out a live-fire artillery exercise 40 miles off the coast of Plymouth on Monday. It was monitored by the Royal Navy, who are continuing to ‘track the vessel’s activity closely’, according to the Ministry of Defence. The Russian frigate, Neustrashimy, had reportedly informed the HMS Tyne – a Royal Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel – of its intentions to fire. A French military aircraft also made radio contact with the warship and asked those on board to clarify its intentions. The BBC reported that the HMS Tyne was asked to move to a safer distance while the exercise took place, lasting 30 minutes.