“Civilian hulls painted grey” is a term often applied to the vessels of the Irish Naval Service. [ Ireland to deploy large numbers of undersea trackers to detect Russian submarinesOpens in new window ]In most countries, this programme would be called Anti-Submarine Warfare. Since 2024, the increasing number of Russian vessels in Irish waters has accelerated this change in priorities, said a source. US naval ships equipped with mini subs are also occasional visitors to the waters off the west and south coasts. This means if an Irish naval ship detects a submarine, it will have no way of telling who is operating it.

Source: The Irish Times March 21, 2026 09:01 UTC