- Category
- Latest news
Russian Spy Ship in Irish-Controlled Waters Ignored Communication Attempts
- Authors
![Ivan_khomenko]( "Ivan Khomenko")
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Ivan Khomenko")
Russian Navy intelligence-gathering vessel, the Viktor Leonov, has exited Irish-controlled waters after being monitored by the Irish Defense Forces for over 36 hours, according to The Irish Times.
The Viktor Leonov, a 100-meter ship from the Russian Navy’s Northern Fleet, was identified earlier this week as it transited through Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The vessel was tracked by the Irish Naval Service ship LÉ Samuel Beckett, and monitored from the air by an Irish Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft operating out of Casement Aerodrome in Dublin. UK-based RAF surveillance aircraft were also reportedly involved in monitoring the ship’s movement.
Defense sources stated that multiple attempts were made to establish communication with the Leonov. Although the Russian vessel acknowledged receipt of the hails, it did not provide any further response or disclose the purpose of its presence. Officials believe the vessel’s intended destination is Cuba.
While the ship did not enter Ireland’s territorial waters, which extend 12 nautical miles from the coast, its transit through the EEZ raised concerns. Similar Russian naval activity in recent years has prompted scrutiny over potential surveillance of subsea infrastructure, including communications cables.
The Leonov is one of several Soviet-era ships designed for intelligence collection, equipped with capabilities to intercept radar, radio, and other electronic signals. It is also believed to possess subsea monitoring equipment.
The ship has a documented history of similar operations in British and US waters, and has previously been tracked operating near US naval installations and following US submarines.
In a statement from Athlone, Tánaiste and Minister for Defense Simon Harris confirmed the vessel’s departure and said he had been regularly briefed on the situation by the Chief of Staff of the Defense Forces.
“Vessels of interest can, from time to time, enter Irish waters and our broader Exclusive Economic Zone,” Harris said. “This is a cause for concern, and Ireland continues to work closely with international partners in deploying effective monitoring resources.”
The Defense Forces declined to provide further details, citing operational security.
Earlier, in November 2024, the Russian intelligence vessel Yantar was escorted out of the Irish Sea by the Irish Defense Forces after it was detected operating near undersea cables connecting Ireland and the UK.
Officially designated as a research ship, the Yantar raised concerns due to its proximity to critical communication infrastructure and its history of deploying drones and submersibles for reconnaissance.
