A Russian Navy intelligence-gathering vessel, allegedly part of Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet,” is currently being monitored by Irish authorities as it navigates waters within Ireland’s Exclusive economic Zone (EEZ). The incident, which occurred earlier this week, has sparked concerns about potential espionage and the vulnerability of critical undersea infrastructure, drawing parallels to Cold War-era naval tactics and raising questions about the implications for U.S. national security.

The vessel in question, the Viktor Leonov, a 100-meter ship belonging to the Russian navy’s Northern Fleet, was initially detected by the Irish Naval Service. As it sailed through the Irish EEZ, the LÉ Samuel Beckett, an Irish naval vessel, began tracking its movements.According to defense sources,the Beckett attempted to contact the Leonov to ascertain its purpose in the region.

While the Russian ship acknowledged receiving the communication, it pointedly “refused to communicate further.” Intelligence suggests the Leonov’s ultimate destination is Cuba, a known strategic partner of Russia in the Western Hemisphere.

In response to the ship’s presence, the Irish Air Corps prepared to deploy one of its recently acquired maritime patrol aircraft to monitor the Leonov’s activities as part of a broader Maritime Defense and Security Operation. While the ship remained within the Irish EEZ, it did not enter Irish territorial waters, which extend approximately 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers) from the coast.

Despite operating outside of Irish territorial waters and ostensibly not violating any maritime laws,the incident has triggered alarm bells due to previous instances of similar Russian naval vessels raising suspicions of surveillance or mapping of Irish subsea infrastructure and data cables.

The term “shadow fleet” is frequently enough used to describe a network of vessels, often older and of questionable ownership, allegedly used by Russia to circumvent sanctions and conduct covert operations. These ships are often involved in transporting oil and other commodities, shielding Russia from the full impact of international economic pressure. Their presence in international waters poses meaningful challenges for maritime security and environmental protection.

The Viktor Leonov is not new to these kinds of operations. The vessel,one of several Soviet-era ships in the Russian Navy designed for intelligence gathering,”has a long history of carrying out spying operations in British and US waters.” It is “equipped with technology capable of intercepting radar, radio and other electronic signals and is also believed to be capable of subsea monitoring operations.” This includes the capacity to map critical undersea infrastructure.

As early as 2019, “US officials complained the Leonov was acting in an unsafe manner off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia, including not responding to civilian vessels attempting to communicate their movements.” In 2020, the ship was tracked by a British warship as it followed a U.S. submarine docking in a British port, demonstrating a clear interest in monitoring U.S. naval assets.

The activities of the Viktor Leonov and similar Russian vessels in the Atlantic are of direct concern to the United States. the U.S. relies heavily on undersea cables for internet communication, financial transactions, and military communications. Any attempt to map or tamper with these cables could have severe consequences for the U.S. economy and national security. The vulnerability of this infrastructure has become a focal point for security experts in recent years.

“The U.S. and its allies must increase maritime domain awareness to counter Russian undersea threats.”

— Dr. Andrew Monaghan, Expert on russian Security policy

The presence of Russian intelligence-gathering ships near critical infrastructure is a stark reminder of the evolving nature of modern warfare. While traditional military confrontations remain a concern, the potential for sabotage and disruption of vital communication networks represents a significant and growing threat. In this very way, the U.S. needs to bolster it’s own maritime security and surveillance capabilities to counter this kind of activity and protect its interests.

Some might argue that the presence of the Viktor Leonov in international waters is simply an exercise of Russia’s right to freedom of navigation. However, the ship’s history of unsafe behavior and intelligence gathering activities raises legitimate concerns about its true intentions. additionally, the potential for mapping or tampering with undersea cables represents a clear threat to national security that cannot be ignored.

This incident follows a pattern of increased Russian naval activity in the Atlantic in recent years. In November 2024, another intelligence-gathering ship, the Yantar, was observed operating drones in the Irish Sea. The Yantar has been tracked operating near subsea cables in Irish-controlled waters on multiple occasions, raising concerns about potential sabotage or espionage.

Moreover, in February 2025, a Russian submarine was detected operating near undersea cables in the North Atlantic. This activity prompted a strong response from NATO, with several warships and maritime patrol aircraft deploying to the area.these incidents highlight the growing importance of maritime security in the North Atlantic and the need for increased vigilance.

the situation calls for a multi-faceted approach involving increased surveillance, enhanced international cooperation, and robust cybersecurity measures. Here are a few practical measures the U.S. and its allies can take:

• Increased Maritime Surveillance: Investing in advanced surveillance technologies such as unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and satellite-based monitoring systems to detect and track suspicious vessels.
• Enhanced International Cooperation: Strengthening partnerships with allies, such as Ireland and the UK, to share intelligence and coordinate maritime security operations.
• Cybersecurity Measures: Implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks.
• Diplomatic Pressure: engaging in diplomatic efforts to deter Russia from conducting further intelligence-gathering operations near critical infrastructure.

The monitoring of the Russian “shadow fleet” vessel near Ireland serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the evolving threats to critical infrastructure. As the U.S.and its allies navigate this complex landscape, increased vigilance, enhanced cooperation, and proactive security measures are essential to safeguarding national interests and ensuring the security of vital communication networks.