Russian spy ships stalk Israeli submarine during sea trials

Two Russian spy ships, "Admiral Sibirjakov" and "Vasily Tatischev," are likely gathering information about Israel's newest submarine, the INS Drakon, reports Naval News. The Russian vessels appeared near Kiel when the INS Drakon began its sea trials.

As Naval News explains, sea trials are a susceptible period for submarines, especially for prototypes and brand-new designs. Gathering intelligence on them is easier than after they are deployed. This includes their acoustic signature and data on new types of weapons and onboard systems. This practice has been known for years and widely used by major powers, particularly during the Cold War arms race.

Reports from German media suggest that this tactic might currently be used by the Kremlin, which has targeted the newest Israeli submarine, the INS Drakon. This vessel, built by the German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in Kiel, has probably begun its sea trials, which have not gone unnoticed by the Russians. As noted by independent maritime intelligence analyst Droxford Maritim, the movements of the Russian intelligence ship "Admiral Sibirjakov" correlate with the potential route taken during the INS Drakon trials. "Vasily Tatischev" also appeared near Kiel, suspected of conducting intelligence activities.

The Russian ship "Admiral Sibirjakov," an oceanographic research vessel of Project 865, is officially engaged in research activities, such as hydrographic and meteorological studies. Naval News points out that the ship is equipped with devices necessary for measuring the acoustic signatures of submarines. It regularly participates in sea trials of Russian Navy submarines in the Baltic. Moreover, the ship has been seen multiple times near strategically important locations for other countries. For example, the "Admiral Sibirjakov" was active near the Balticconnector pipeline in the months leading up to the leak that occurred at the end of 2023, as well as near the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines in June 2022.

"Vasily Tatischev," on the other hand, is a spy ship of Project 864 Meridian (NATO code-named Vishnya), adapted for gathering intelligence, including signal intelligence (SIGINT). Onboard, it has equipment capable of decoding opponent communications.

The ship, along with six sister ships of this class, was built to order by the USSR at the Northern Shipyard named after the Heroes of Westerplatte in Gdansk between 1985 and 1988. Previously, the German newspaper "Kieler Nachrichten" reported that "Vasily Tatischev" was following NATO ships participating in the Baltic Operations maneuvers. Currently, the ship is near Kiel, stationed outside German and Danish territorial waters.