The Pat Kenny Show A Russian spy ship is on course for Irish waters
Nov 20, 2025
Conor Gallagher, a Crime and Security correspondent for The Irish Times, and Retired Commander Caoimhin MacUnfraidh, a naval expert with 29 years of service, discuss the impending arrival of the Russian spy ship Antar. They explore its suspected role in undersea surveillance disguised as research and the vulnerabilities of Ireland's undersea cables. The guests debate Ireland's limited naval capabilities and the potential for increased UK engagement due to provocative actions by the Antar, while emphasizing the need for investment in defense to ensure national sovereignty.
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Ship Operating With AIS Turned Off
- The Antar has its AIS switched off and is likely operating north of Ireland near the Inner Hebrides.
- Its route mirrors last year's path up through the North Sea and then down toward Irish waters.
Research Cover, Surveillance Purpose
- The Antar is officially an oceanographic research vessel but Western intelligence views it as an undersea surveillance ship.
- It can deploy autonomous submarines to inspect or tamper with subsea cables and infrastructure.
High Undersea Vulnerability
- Ireland is highly vulnerable because it has limited naval assets and detection capability for undersea operations.
- The UK can use towed sonar arrays, but Ireland would struggle to know what the Antar is doing under its waters.