Russian spy ship Viktor Leonov stirs NATO in Mediterranean
The Russian spy ship, Viktor Leonov, has entered the Mediterranean Sea, replacing the Kildin vessel. This action is yet another strategic move by Russia in the region, which has attracted NATO's attention.
What do you need to know?
- Viktor Leonov, the Russian spy ship, sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Mediterranean Sea, replacing the Kildin.
- The Spanish patrol ship Audaz escorted Viktor Leonov after it crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, indicating increased vigilance in the region.
- The ship ignored communication attempts in Irish waters, which drew interest from the Irish and British maritime services.
Why is Viktor Leonov in the Mediterranean Sea?
Viktor Leonov, a Vishnya-class spy ship, crossed the Strait of Gibraltar to carry out a mission in the Mediterranean Sea. It took over from another Russian unit, the Kildin, which departed these waters last week. After navigating the strait, the Russian ship was escorted by the Spanish patrol vessel Audaz, underscoring NATO's interest in Russia's activities in the region.
What are Viktor Leonov's capabilities?
Viktor Leonov is a Soviet-era ship designed for intelligence gathering. It's equipped with advanced radar signal interception and radio listening systems, and it likely has underwater monitoring equipment. Its presence in the Mediterranean is probably linked to surveillance missions on NATO's southern flank.
What happened in Irish waters?
While passing through Irish-controlled waters, Viktor Leonov ignored communication attempts. For 36 hours, it was tracked by the Irish vessel Samuel Beckett and monitored from the air by Irish and British patrol aircraft.
