The Royal Navy detected shadowing Russian sub – Daily Telegraph

30.08.2010 The Royal Navy reported of detected Russian submarine tried to record acoustic signal of a British nuc sub, reports Daily Telegraph referring to undisclosed source in the Royal Navy command.

According to the source, a Project 971 Schuka-B Russian submarine (NATO classification - Akula) was detected nearby the Faslane Naval Base expecting HMS Vanguard to sail off the base; Vanguard-type subs are capable to carry nuclear missiles Trident D4. Afterwards, a Trafalgar-type nuclear-powered attack submarine was dispatched to intercept the Russian sub.

The Royal Navy command is concerned that the Russian submarine had managed to record the unique engine noise of HMS Vanguard, which will give potential opportunity to scupper the British submarine prior to missile launch.

The incident happened not sooner than a half year ago, although it has been kept a secret so far, writes Daily Telegraph. At present, the British military faces the most frequent contacts with Russian subs since 1987, points out the newspaper. Russians are playing games with us and the French in North Atlantic, says Daily Telegraph citing the top-ranking source in the Royal Navy command.

We cannot let Russians find out acoustic characteristics of our submarine, because it may jeopard our deterrents, added the source.