Despite a robust submarine fleet, including Astute-class attack subs and Vanguard-class ballistic missile subs, maintenance issues have plagued operations, raising questions about the Royal Navy's readiness in a potential confrontation with adversaries like China or Russia.

Defence Secretary John Healey said the activities demonstrated the services’ commitment to protecting national security

Defence Secretary says the armed forces have shown their “commitment to protecting national security” after fighters scrambled to shadow two Russian aircrafts and submarine nearing UK waters. The Royal Navy has shadowed a Russian attack submarine and corvette through the English Channel while RAF jets were scrambled to monitor two of Vladimir Putin’s aircraft.

A BRITISH warship has been dispatched to the English Channel to stalk four Russian vessels including an attack submarine. And RAF jets were scrambled to intercept two Russian aircraft as tensions