The Royal Navy follows a Russian frigate armed with “unstoppable” hypersonic missiles

A Royal Navy warship tracks the movements of a Russian frigate armed with “unstoppable” hypersonic Zircon missiles as it sails towards Britain.

The Royal Navy has released a statement saying HMS Portland is monitoring Russian warship Admiral Gorshkov and an accompanying tanker Kama as they head to the North Sea.

The Russian ship is armed with new nuclear-capable Mach-9 Zircon missiles traveling at speeds of almost 11,000 km/h and Kalibr missiles.

As the warship sails towards Britain, footage released yesterday shows the ship’s capabilities as it took part in a series of military exercises.

The Royal Navy released images of HMS Portland pursuing the Russian ships in the North Sea on Monday January 9, 2023

Footage released yesterday shows the ship’s capabilities as it took part in a series of military exercises. Pictured: Launch of an “unstoppable” nuclear-capable Zircon hypersonic missile from the Admiral Gorshkov

Following today’s announcement, the Navy on Monday released images of HMS Portland pursuing Russian ships in the North Sea, meaning the operation has already been underway for several days.

In the statement, HMS Portland’s Commanding Officer, Commander Ed Moss-Ward said: “Escorting warships in British territorial waters and adjacent sea areas is a routine activity for the Royal Navy.

“By maintaining a visible and sustained presence, the Royal Navy ensures compliance with the Law of the Sea and deters malicious activity to protect our nation’s interests.

“The accompaniment of the Russian Task Group along with forces from our NATO allies has demonstrated Britain’s commitment to the Alliance and to maintaining maritime security.”