Russian warship fires live rounds 46 miles off UK coast as RAF scrambles jets

A Russian frigate fired live artillery rounds in the English Channel just 46 miles south of Plymouth, prompting the RAF to scramble Typhoon jets and triggering a flurry of military activity by UK and French forces. The heavily-armed Neustrashimy conducted a 30-minute test firing of its main cannon using live rounds in international waters on Monday, a move the new defence secretary, Wes Streeting, called "performative and irresponsible." The exercise came as Andy Burnham was becoming Prime Minister, adding to the tension. Aviation tracking data revealed at least five British and French aircraft were scrambled, including two RAF Typhoon jets that circled off the South Coast, while military helicopters also operated in the vicinity. The Royal Navy continued to track the vessel on Tuesday, monitoring the warship's artillery closely. The Kremlin's decision to hold a live-fire drill so close to the UK coast has been described as "highly unusual," raising questions about Russia's intentions at a time of heightened geopolitical strain.