Russian warship with ‘vomit-inducing ray’ passes through English Channel shadowed by Royal Navy
The Filin 5P-42 is a "non-lethal" device which is developed to dazzle and cause hallucinations in attackers
A RUSSIAN warship with a "vomit-inducing ray" was spotted sailing close to UK territorial waters, leaving a Royal Navy warship scrambling to follow it.
Kremlin-owned Admiral Gorshkov is reported to have been fitted with the Filin 5P-42, described as a "visual optical interference" weapon.
The weapon triggers "dizziness, nausea and feelings of disorientation" which consequently forces onlookers to vomit and feel unwell.
Royal Navy's HMS Defender was deployed over the weekend to keep watch on the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and three auxiliary ships.
The Filin 5P-42 is a "non-lethal" device which is developed to dazzle and cause hallucinations in attackers.
The technology has been deployed on Russian vessels Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Kasatonov, according to a news release from Ruselectornics, which created the Filin system.
The weapon was tested on volunteers whose aim was to hit targets protected by the Filin with sniper rifles, assault weapons and machine guns.
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All of the volunteers experienced difficulty with aiming and were unable to see the target at which they were shooting, reported .
Almost half of the test subjects, 45 per cent, said they experienced dizziness, nausea and feelings of disorientation, reported RIA Novosti.
20 per cent experienced hallucinations and described a “ball of light moving in front of the eyes.”
A Navy spokesman said: "Portsmouth-based Defender is monitoring the Russian task group and keeping track of their activity in areas of national interest."
Armed forces minister Mark Lancaster said: "The Royal Navy is always standing ready to defend the UK.
"We will continue to work with our allies to shadow Russian ships passing through international waters close to our shores, to ensure the Russian navy follows the correct protocol on its journey."
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HMS Defender left Newcastle on Saturday to head north east of Scotland to meet the Russian task group in time for the ships to pass the UK coastline on Tuesday, and will continue to shadow the ships as they pass through the English Channel.
The group comprises the frigate Admiral Gorshkov, tug Nicolay Chiker, supply ship Elbrus and tanker Kama.
Commander Richard Hewitt, the commanding officer of HMS Defender, said: "The security of the seas around our coastline remains crucial to our national interests.
"Escorting the Admiral Gorshkov has demonstrated the Royal Navy's enduring commitment to protecting our home waters and readiness to undertake such tasking whenever it's required."
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