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 alittle 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