NATO Increases Surveillance of Russian Vessels

NATO has increased its surveillance activities in response to Russian naval movements, particularly focusing on the Russian research vessel Yantar, which was recently monitored by a French Navy ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft in the Mediterranean Sea. The Yantar, classified as an oceanographic research vessel, is suspected of having advanced capabilities for intelligence gathering and potential sabotage operations, raising concerns among NATO forces about its presence near critical undersea infrastructure. Concurrently, the Irish Defence Forces are tracking the Metagas Everest tanker, linked to Russia's shadow fleet, as it navigates through Irish-controlled waters, suspected of breaching international sanctions. The Irish military deployed an Airbus C295 patrol aircraft to monitor the tanker, which poses environmental risks due to its age and reported poor condition. Additionally, NATO has ramped up its monitoring along its eastern flank with multiple ISR aircraft in the Baltic Sea to counter Russian activities, including potential sabotage of undersea cables. These developments underscore the heightened tensions and strategic vigilance among NATO members regarding Russian maritime operations.