High North, North Atlantic – HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Duncan are tracking the Russian Navy intelligence ship “Yuriy Ivanov” from Russia’s Northern Fleet during a major NATO maritime exercise.

The operation takes place as part of Dynamic Mongoose 26, a large NATO anti-submarine warfare exercise conducted across the High North and North Atlantic region.

The drill is designed to train Allied forces to detect and counter submarine threats through complex multi-domain scenarios involving submarines, surface vessels, and aircraft.

Dynamic Mongoose is described as NATO’s largest annual anti-submarine warfare exercise in Northern European waters.

The United Kingdom is participating as part of its maritime commitment to NATO deterrence and defence operations in the region.

The activity is also connected to “Operation Firecrest,” led by HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navy’s largest warship.

The strike group deployment includes Royal Navy warships and RAF/RN F-35 fighter jets operating across the North Atlantic and Arctic.

The UK is working alongside NATO partners, including Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 and JEF allies, as part of ongoing regional security cooperation.

The deployment comes amid increased Russian military activity in the North Atlantic, with reports noting a 30% rise in Russian naval vessels approaching UK waters over the past two years.

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