A British warship operating under NATO command monitored a Russian destroyer last week as it sailed in U.K. waters, the Royal Navy confirmed Wednesday.

On Friday, NATO’s Allied Maritime Command near London ordered the Portsmouth-based destroyer Duncan to shadow the Russian vessel Vice Admiral Kulakov as it transited through the English Channel.

“This Type 45 destroyer utilized her advanced sensors and systems to intercept the Kulakov in the North Sea, monitoring her passage westward through the Channel towards the island of Ushant off the French coast,” British naval officials said in a statement.

The surveillance mission, which lasted through Sunday, marked the first time a British warship was tasked directly by NATO command, officials said.

“The Royal Navy has deployed under Allied Maritime Command, underpinning our unwavering solidarity with NATO to counter Russian activity,” Al Carns, the U.K.’s minister for the armed forces, said in a statement. 

The coordinated effort involved military forces from three nations, including the French navy and Dutch air force, British officials said.

“The Royal Navy stands ready to respond to any Russian naval activity,” Mr. Carns said. “They conduct constant monitoring operations to safeguard Britain and our territorial waters.”