A Russian submarine was deployed alongside a spy ship to map critical undersea infrastructure around Ireland and Britain, it has emerged. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declassified a photo of the incident, which saw a submarine shadowing the Yantar, officially described as a Russian research ship, as it reportedly surveyed the gas pipeline linking Britain and Ireland. It is believed to be one of several operations where Russian submarines have accompanied the Yantar into waters close to the British Isles, according to The Sunday Times. British general Gwyn Jenkins said earlier this month that there had been a “30pc increase in Russian incursion in our waters” just over the last two years. The UK sanctioned the Russian military agency, which is leading the development of Russia’s underwater intelligence gathering operations, in June this year.

Source: Irish Independent December 29, 2025 13:54 UTC