Russian 'spy ship' on course for Irish waters: Reports

​​​​​​​LONDON

A Russian vessel believed to be capable of disrupting undersea communications is being closely tracked by the UK as it moves south toward Irish-controlled waters, according to media reports on Wednesday.

Defense Secretary John Healey said the ship pointed lasers at RAF, or Royal Air Force, pilots in a “deeply dangerous action,” as the UK is monitoring the vessel’s movements.

“We have military options ready should the Yantar change course. I am not going to reveal those because that only makes President Putin wiser,” he said.

The Yantar, labelled by Russia as an oceanographic research vessel, is widely assessed by Western intelligence agencies as equipped for surveillance of critical subsea infrastructure, including gas pipelines and communications cables.

The heading suggests it could enter either the Irish Sea or travel down Ireland’s west coast, routes that would likely bring it into Ireland’s exclusive economic zone, the Irish Times reported.

The vessel sailed a similar path last November when it was shadowed by an Irish naval ship and maritime patrol aircraft.

Irish personnel reported three drones in the air that appeared to be controlled by the Yantar during that operation.

The UK continues to monitor the ship’s progress amid concerns about regional security and the protection of subsea networks.