British and Russian Subs in “Cat-and-Mouse’ Pursuit Ahead of Latest Syria Strike

By Christopher Woody,Business Insider

• Russian warships and subs reportedly tracked a British submarine in the eastern Mediterranean Sea in the days before the latest strikes in Syria.
• Russian and NATO submarines have come into increasing contact in the waters around Europe in recent years.

A British Astute-class attack submarine was closely pursued by Russian subs and warships in the days leading up to the latest US-led strikes in Syria, according to The Times of London, citing military sources.

The days-long encounter reportedly played out during the second week of April, as Prime Minister Theresa May was deciding whether to join the strikes on targets in Syria. May reportedly orderedBritish subs to move within missile range of Syria in preparation for those strikes.

A UK Astute-class sub in the area was hunted by at least one but possibly two Russian submarines nicknamed “the Black Hole,” The Times said, referring to the Russian navy’s Improved Kilo-classdiesel-electric subs.

The Astute class “are the largest, most advanced and most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy,” according to the UK Ministry of Defense. The British sub in question was maneuvering to get within range of targets in Syria, The Times reports.

HMS Astute sailing to Faslane Naval Base in Scotland.Flickr/UK Ministry of Defence

Two Russian frigates and an anti-submarine aircraft are also believed to have joined the search for the British sub, which reportedly spent several days trying to elude its pursuers. The British sub was protected by US Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, an anti-submarine-warfare platform.

British and Russian navies have come into increasing contact in the waters around Europe, but this is believed to be the first time such an encounter has taken place in the lead-up to strikes. The British sub in question did not take part in those strikes, however.