A RUSSIAN warship loaded with missiles has been spotted following the American warship USS Harry S. Truman around the Mediterranean sea.

The US$4.5 billion ship - designed to "project American presence and power-off any coast" - is sailing in support of attacks on Islamic State targets in Syria.

5 The massive American warship - USS Harry S. Truman - has been sailing since April in support of attacks on Islamic State targets in Syria Credit: EPA

Fitted out with the best of the US navy's military capabilities, the easiest way to track the ship is to follow it - exactly what Russia has decided to do.

Loaded with warplanes and deadly weapons, the Yaroslav Mudry warship is stalking it on its journey across the sea.

In April, the same Russian ship strayed a little too close to the UK coastline and the Royal Navy's HMS St Albans was dispatched to escort it through the channel.

Though no conflict has kicked off, the rivalry between the two countries is obvious.

5 The massive American ship is being tailed by the Russian warship Yaroslav Mudry and communicating with it via radio Credit: Reuters

5 An American soldier quoted a peace agreement made with the then Soviet Union during the Cold War over the radio to avoid conflict Credit: AFP or licensors

5 There are more than 5,000 people on board the American warship that is sailing through the Mediterranean sea Credit: AFP or licensors

Truman is flanked by six "bodyguard" destroyer ships that are ready to act should the Russians make any sudden movements for conflict.

The two countries are barely on speaking terms, but they have been communicating over radio.

An officer on the US ship said over radio: "Russian warship 777 this is US Navy destroyer 75. Yankee victor one. Romeo uniform five. Tack."

The officer is quoting a Cold War agreement that was made with the then Soviet Union, to avoid dangerous incidents at sea.

MOST READ WORLD NEWS FIT AND FIFTY 'World’s hottest gran' celebrates 50th as fans praise her youthful looks COV-ER & OUT Lockdown-free Sweden 'on brink of BEATING Covid after achieving herd immunity' GRINCHES Mum reveals HUGE Xmas gift haul for daughter - but some parents brand kid 'spoilt' A-BROCC-ALYPSE US mum posts pic of 'perfect' roast but Brits are fuming over one mistake SMOKING GUN Maddie lawyer has 'material evidence' she's dead & pins murder on Christian B OUT OF THIS WORLD Man transforms into 'alien' after having nose REMOVED & splitting tongue 'DIED ALONE' Missing boy, 14, found dead after search volunteers banned over Covid curfew SAVAGE ATTACK Paedo, 19, rapes 18-month-old baby girl while her parents had popped out NOVI-MOCK Navalny mocks Putin just as he leaves hospital after Novichok attack HIDE AND SEEEEEEK Can you spot the deadly snakes hiding in these gardens and homes?

5 A crew member from the American USS Harry S. Truman ship stands next to a missile Credit: AFP or licensors

There are more than 5,000 people on board the American ship, which is nearly as long as the Empire State Building at 1,100 feet.

As long as there are concerns over the relationship between Russia, Iran and Syria, the ship will likely stay in the Mediterranean - its presence gives the US options should any conflict kick off.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours