A Russian spy ship has raised new concerns about the safety of critical underwater infrastructure, including key interconnector cables in the Irish Sea, which carry global internet traffic between Ireland and the United Kingdom.
The Russian vessel was escorted out of Irish-controlled waters by the Irish Navy early Friday morning after being observed near crucial energy and internet cables. The ship had been detected near Dublin and the Isle of Man, patrolling waters that are home to data connections used by major companies like Google and Microsoft, whose European headquarters are based in Ireland.
The Irish Navy’s LÉ James Joyce escorted the spy ship out of Ireland’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) while the Air Corps continued to monitor its movements southward. The incident followed heightened activity as Russian warships were tracked through the English Channel over the past week, drawing attention from naval and air forces from Norway, the U.S., France, and the UK.
The presence of the Russian vessel Jantar, officially classified as an auxiliary oceanographic research ship, has sparked concerns of espionage and possible threats to Europe’s critical infrastructure. Although the ship is known for its capabilities in deep-sea rescue and submarine operations, defense analysts suggest its mission likely involved intelligence gathering.
Experts emphasize the strategic vulnerability of undersea infrastructure. “This is yet another wake-up call for Ireland to bolster its naval capabilities and strengthen maritime security partnerships across Europe,” said Edward Burke, a security studies lecturer at the University of Dublin.
Tensions over Europe’s essential assets have been on the rise, particularly after incidents like the alleged sabotage of the Baltic gas pipeline and internet cables between Finland and Estonia earlier this year. Security concerns have driven discussions about enhancing joint surveillance and response strategies.
Despite attempts by Irish forces to make radio contact, the Russian crew reportedly did not respond. The vessel eventually left Irish waters and headed south, but the event underscored the pressing need for enhanced maritime vigilance.
