Following their support to the French Armed Forces in January 2026 during the seizure of the Russian-flagged tanker MV Grinch the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron (RNGS) has once again contributed to NATO maritime security operations — this time monitoring the Russian landing ship Aleksandr Otrakovsky (Ropucha class) and the merchant vessel Sparta IV.

A statement from British Forces Gibraltar follows below:

Taking advantage of a brief improvement in weather conditions, HMS CUTLASS - one of two Royal Navy Patrol Launches permanently based at HMNB Gibraltar - identified and monitored the vessels as they approached Gibraltar. The Squadron maintained routine situational awareness as the ships approached the Strait of Gibraltar’s Traffic Separation Scheme, a key maritime thoroughfare frequently used by international shipping.

Lieutenant Commander Davies RN, Commanding Officer of RNGS, said: “This is one of many monitoring missions the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron has conducted during what has already been a busy start to 2026. Maintaining a professional and consistent presence in the region is essential for wider maritime security, supporting our allies and contributing to stability across NATO’s southern approaches.”

The Russian vessels have since continued their transit into the Atlantic, where they remain under observation by NATO maritime units engaged in routine monitoring operations.