# Spies in the sky: RAF sends up drones for the first time to monitor the Russian navy around British shores

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/spies-in-the-sky-raf-sends-up-drones-for-the-first-time-to-monitor-the-russian-navy-around-british-shores/
- Published: 2026-10-31T22:34:54+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-31T23:11:16+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16255615/Spies-sky-RAF-sends-drones-time-monitor-Russian-navy-British-shores.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Europe, UK, World

## Key points

- RAF Protector drone monitored a Russian warship in the English Channel.
- The sortie provided more than ten hours of surveillance.
- Defence spending is increasing for seabed monitoring and anti-submarine capabilities.

## Summary

The RAF has used a Protector RG1 drone for the first time to monitor a Russian warship in the English Channel, working alongside Royal Navy vessels and helicopters. The operation reflects concern about Russian activity near British waters, including surveillance of critical underwater cables, and the possibility that ships could launch drones against infrastructure.

The unarmed drone provided more than ten hours of surveillance within the past month. The Ministry of Defence says Royal Navy monitoring of Russian activity rose by 25 per cent in the first seven months of this year compared with the same period in 2025, and has committed an additional £330 million over four years to seabed monitoring and anti-submarine capabilities. The first of 16 Protector aircraft arrived at RAF Waddington in September; military analysts say stronger patrols and an effective warning system are needed to direct defences.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.