Dutch Navy escorts Russian submarine and warship through North Sea

The Royal Netherlands Navy monitored a Russian submarine and a warship as they passed through the Dutch-managed section of the North Sea on Friday. The operation was conducted to "highlight vigilance and gather information," according to the Ministry of Defense.

The Russian vessels, the submarine Novorossiysk and the corvette Boikiy, were traveling through the Dutch Exclusive Economic Zone, an area they are permitted to transit under international law.

The Dutch patrol ship Zr.Ms. Friesland and an NH90 maritime combat helicopter were deployed to shadow the Russian vessels. The Novorossiysk was en route from the Mediterranean Sea to northern waters, joined by the Boikiy during its passage through the North Sea.

The Royal Netherlands Navy has had a standing mission since mid-2023 to escort Russian naval vessels, including submarines, when they transit through the region. The Ministry of Defense emphasized that such activities are part of routine operations to ensure the security of Dutch waters.

Russian naval movements in the North Sea have become more frequent in recent years, prompting continued monitoring by NATO member states, including the Netherlands.