According to The Irish Examiner, In a display of heightened maritime vigilance, the Irish Defence Forces have been keeping a close watch on Russian military vessels operating near Irish-controlled waters, The Journal has learned.
The monitoring operation, which took place earlier this week, saw the Air Corps deploy maritime surveillance aircraft for intelligence gathering missions. These flights were conducted on Monday and Tuesday, focusing on activity along the southern edge of Ireland’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The operation highlights Ireland’s ongoing commitment to monitoring its maritime boundaries, despite its traditionally neutral stance. The EEZ, which extends up to 200 nautical miles from Ireland’s coast, represents an area where the country has sovereign rights for exploring and managing marine resources.
This isn’t the first time Russian naval activity has drawn attention in Irish waters. Such movements are typically watched closely by Irish authorities, given the strategic importance of the waters between Ireland and the UK.
The Defence Forces’ response demonstrates Ireland’s capability to track and monitor foreign military movements near its maritime borders, even with its relatively modest military resources.