The Yantar, officially an oceanographic research vessel, is actually bristling with surveillance equipment as well as hosting a number of manned and unmanned deep-sea submersibles.

Its missions are thought to include cable cutting, laying of taps on undersea cables, and intelligence missions.

H I Sutton, an open source intelligence analyst who specialises in submarines and sub-surface systems is following the vessel. I recommend you follow him by clicking here in order to keep updated on this.

The United States Navy has stated that the submersibles hosted by the Yantar are able to sever cables miles beneath the ocean’s surface. The submersibles are reportedly capable of operating at depths of up to 6,000 metres (20,000 ft) and are reportedly the project 16810 Rus-class submersible and the project 16811 Konsul-class submersible.

The vessel was recently near Ireland. In response to queries, the Irish Defence Force said it was aware of the presence of the vessel off the west coast of Ireland.

“Óglaigh na hÉireann can confirm that the Irish Naval Service is aware of the Russian ship Yantar transiting in the Irish exclusive economic zone off the west of Ireland. This ship is transmitting on the automatic identification system and is outside Irish territorial waters.

This activity is in line with the UN Convention on the Law Of the Sea (UNCLOS) rules for transit through international waters. Territorial waters are 12 nautical miles from the coast of Ireland and under UNCLOS, there is no restriction on ships operating on the high seas inside exclusive economic zones.”

It should also be remembered that the Yantar has also been deployed for search and rescue operations, notably helping in the search for missing Argentine submarine ARA San Juan in 2017.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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Reaper
Reaper
2 years ago

Does any of our non warships have this kind of gear? echo ect

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Reaper

Who knows?

Unlike Russia, we are in the fortunate position geographically to be able to do the same on dry land anyway.

Reaper
Reaper
2 years ago

Do the Same on Dry land with Russian cables?

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Reaper

Not Russian ones, the worlds internet, email and financial backbones, whose main arteries run ashore in the UK and other UK territories overseas.

As for Russian cables, I’d guess that is the province of the Silent Service and the USN, as was the case in the Cold War.

Reaper
Reaper
2 years ago

Yeah, it was crazy how close the yank Sub got to Russia! and then find and do their business on the thin cable!, shame it was a yank traitor who sold them out..

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Reaper

Assume you mean “Ivy Bells”

Yes, traitorous scum.

RN submarines used to hang out off Murmansk too.

Reaper
Reaper
2 years ago

Traitors should be dealt with the old ways…

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago
Reply to  Reaper

Given a Knighthood like that twat who was the Queens art consultant and close friend of philby and co

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Tommo

Blunt.

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago

I do hope you meant Blunt and it wasn’t a Typo error because that’s what he was

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Tommo

😆

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago
Reply to  Reaper

Wasn’t the sub USS Halibut and she tapped into an undersea cable of Kamchatcha peninsula gathering data

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Tommo

Yes, I believe it ran from Petropavlovsk across the sea of Okhotsk to Pacific Fleet HQ at Vladivostok. Much easier than laying it several thousand miles longer around the coast.

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago

See watching the History Channel on the Discovery channel paid off I knew information like that would come in handy one day but I doubt if a question like that would come up on Beat the Chaser or down the pub qius

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Tommo

Well we do have a rather specialized subject! I😆

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago

Not being rude but would daytime TV viewers grasp those sort of over the horizon questions

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Tommo

Depends on their background or interests!

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago

Definitely not Jeremy Klye ,viewers then 🤮🤮🤮

Levi Goldsteinberg
Levi Goldsteinberg
2 years ago
Reply to  Reaper

No one really knows. Eyebrows might be raised however at the size of HMS Scott versus her purported role

Supportive Bloke
Supportive Bloke
2 years ago

I’m sure the people tasked to do that role do know!

While Scott could easily host that role, as could Attenborough, it isn’t usually hanging around where cables are.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago

Maybe one of the SD vessels.

Reaper
Reaper
2 years ago

Do u know much or anything atall about the Royal Navy’s new spy ship being built Daniele?

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Reaper

What, the MROSS? No more than what has been published so far I’m afraid.

Reaper
Reaper
2 years ago

Yeah didn’t think so 👍

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago

SHsssss loose lips Sink ships Daniele for all we know people on here aren’t who they say they are ……… hee hee 😜

Reaper
Reaper
2 years ago

I’m not sure about HMS Scott in that role m8.

But it looks like we are building a new Spy ship to help protect undersea cables ect

https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/uk-plans-to-build-new-spy-ship-to-watch-over-subsea-cables

spyintheskyuk
spyintheskyuk
2 years ago
Reply to  Reaper

Perhaps the new National Yacht will be a front for it.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  spyintheskyuk

Yes, the swimming pool is actually a moonpool! 😅

David Barry
David Barry
2 years ago

Apparently, it will be covered at night allowing the bottom to slide out and frogmen and un-manned vehicles to go forth and perform the will of Her Majesty before returning back.

At other times the pool will be tasked with hosting naked parties for Boris Johnson.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  David Barry

Love it. Like that Bond film!

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago
Reply to  spyintheskyuk

HMS Busby call sign it’s for youho

Otterman
Otterman
2 years ago
Reply to  Reaper

The National Oceanography Centre operates a deep-water ROV called ISIS, which while unmanned I think could certainly find and cut a cable in deep water if wanted, though I don’t think it could tap one that easily. I don’t think we have any manned submersibles that could get down there. https://noc.ac.uk/facilities/marine-autonomous-robotic-systems/deep-platforms The NOC has capable research ships to host the systems with some commonality with the Yantar (dynamic positioning, USBL, winches, the ROV), but probably not the same nebulously defined ‘surveillance’ systems. I don’t believe they have been or ever would be used for that type of intelligence mission and… Read more »

Deep32
Deep32
2 years ago
Reply to  Reaper

I think the closest match for a RN vessel operating unmanned submersibles was probably HMS Challenger (1980s – mid 90s). Although not a spy ship, she was in fact a diving support ship, but had the capabilities of using unmanned submersibles.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Deep32

I thought she did have some shady activities mate, though officially a DSS?

Deep32
Deep32
2 years ago

DSS was her official role, she cost a lot of money when built, at a time the Navy didn’t!!! So your guess is as good as mine as to what she actually did, although one of her roles was to transport LR5 in times of need, she was big enough to support those ops.

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago
Reply to  Deep32

Every CD wanted on her so they could get their Sat diving ticket then they’d put their 18months in and work up the fields

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago
Reply to  Reaper

We use,too send a trawler,of sorts in the 70ts and 80ts up north on occasions she would berth up in Pompey dockyard if that’s help

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Tommo

Do you remember its name? Not Gaul? That sank in 74.

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago

No the Gual supposedly succumbed to a rouge wave This trawler stren recovery Derrick her Hull was bright red when getting the PAS boat over to King’s stairs we’d say what the Fxxk a trawler doing alongside usual answer ‘,need to know bases ‘ last time was around 86_88

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Tommo

Ok.

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago
Reply to  Tommo

It might of been Saint Andrew or something like that oOo so long ago not as sharp as I was , sorry

RandomNooby
RandomNooby
1 year ago
Reply to  Reaper

yes, 2 autonomous drone ships were moored next to me 6 months ago, that were for this purpose amongst other things (UK)

George
George
2 years ago

Hi folks hope all is well.
Let’s be realistic, we have ways to spy and gather intelligence, the Russians are no different.
However, I’m not too sure why would they want to cut and disrupt cables where they also have to use the same cables for trade, commerce and communication.
At the moment, Russia has so many sanctions placed on them with an affect placing it’s economy half that of Italy. Cutting cables would have a disastrous effect for them.
Cheers,
George

Reaper
Reaper
2 years ago
Reply to  George

Alllot of what Russia does Makes no sense though lol

Ulya
Ulya
2 years ago
Reply to  Reaper

It does if you’re Russian 👍

Reaper
Reaper
2 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

Well maybe it does Ulya but Russia does seem to shoot itself in the foot allot.

dave12
dave12
2 years ago
Reply to  Reaper

To be fair Reaper we have shot ourselves in the foot fair few times recently.

dave12
dave12
2 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

Only in a warped pro Putin mind lol.

dave12
dave12
2 years ago
Reply to  dave12

And sometimes makes sense for twisted reasons.

Ulya
Ulya
2 years ago
Reply to  dave12

Good morning Dave 😘

dave12
dave12
2 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

lol

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago
Reply to  dave12

Can’t see Vlad losing his YouTube unless they can cut specific cables so tbat he doesn’t lose his worldwide fan base

David Steeper
David Steeper
2 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

What do you think of Pres Putin he’s certainly done well for himself in the last 20 years. From a flat in St Petersburg to a palace on the Black Sea. He should write a book about how to manage your personal finances. I’m sure it would be a best seller.

Ulya
Ulya
2 years ago
Reply to  David Steeper

Putin has learnt to mix a passion for Russia and it’s well being with curuption, he is no different to many of these instant billionaire that happened after fall of CCCP, only difference between Russia ones and western ones is we are more honest about it

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

Is it that honesty of said billionaires that leads to them being exiled from Russia itself to various safe havens around the world or floating yachts that they seldom dare leave?

Ulya
Ulya
2 years ago
Reply to  James

My opinion is simple, those that stay in Russia to try make things better I can tolerate even if I disagree with them, those that steal then run to hide in the west, like reaper say earlier, they should be treated the old way as traitors

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

Lets be realistic very few billionaires are honest and trying to make things better as such. Those that stay in Russia for example are either benefiting others and are simply being allowed to stay and continue to do what they do to make money probably at the detriment of many thousands of honest people. Those that have left have either got too greedy and stopped greasing the wheels that allowed them to stay or have done something that will get them killed and had to run. Im not saying its any different in many western countries by the way it… Read more »

Ulya
Ulya
2 years ago
Reply to  James

It is done different in the west, you call it donation or political support, we call it curuption, I know spelling in wrong, can’t remember right way sorry

dave12
dave12
2 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

Come on now Ulya who are you trying to kid we all know Putins priority is his self preservation and the billionaire’s that stay in Russia tend to be affiliated to him, corruption in Russia is at a way more extreme level than the west ,and obvious fact that Russian’s are not allowed to choose their leader , but I know use must project for Putins sake.

Ulya
Ulya
2 years ago
Reply to  dave12

I do love the little Dave rants, are you able to explain to me how the Russian system actually works Dave? not the version your media tells you but how our voting system for president and duma actually happens?

dave12
dave12
2 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

The trouble is with that statement Uyla is Russia is not exactly subtle with its voting system and western media some may argue not perfect but at least they hold government policy to account where Russia does not even on pain of death sometimes ,it tends to be quite accurate on Russia partly due to fact that Putin has so much power he can afford to be not so subtle in his policies as I said.

Ulya
Ulya
2 years ago
Reply to  dave12

So in other words Dave the answer is no, you don’t know. Very good

dave12
dave12
2 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

Oh I could research the minute details Uyla if I could be bothered to ,it would be a lot of Rubbish to deflect the fact that it all comes down to the same Result though and that is Putin in power till the 2030’s officially but really hes in power till he kicks the bucket 🙂

Last edited 2 years ago by dave12
Ulya
Ulya
2 years ago
Reply to  dave12

So you rather blissful ignorance? There is a bit happening with internal politics ATM Dave, maybe do a little research about United Russia party, that’s the party Putin is with. You might be happily surprised

dave12
dave12
2 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

yes I might Ulya ,but its not blissful Ignorance when the result is the same ,there might be a game of musical chairs but Putin will still be in power I bet all my money in the world on it and I would not break a sweat.

dave12
dave12
2 years ago
Reply to  James

Well said.

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago
Reply to  James

Being so called Exciled is a great cover story for hush hush activities for Brother Putin billionaire olegaks living the oh so trusting West

Stand Off Rocket Man
Stand Off Rocket Man
2 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

His passion is first and foremost for himself and his place in history. This, of course, goes for many world leaders, but he can get away with being totally self-absorbed to a whole different level.

The interesting thing will be what happens when he cops it.

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago

I still call them Dictators and if he gets his way with the help of Nouakchott he’ll probably be embalmed like Uncle Lenin Narcissistic twat

Stand Off Rocket Man
Stand Off Rocket Man
2 years ago
Reply to  Reaper

It does make sense to those in charge though, and it’s put across as the necessary thing to do to the people. Everything in Russia and everything done here is ‘all for appearances’, even when the reality is something completely different. Those is charge don’t give a damn about the average citizen and only about how things are perceived to the wider audience. For instance, Russia tries to put across a tough guy image and will celebrate that its men win at wrestling/fighting and weightlifting etc, sports that have been made more popular here than in many other countries. It’s… Read more »

spyintheskyuk
spyintheskyuk
2 years ago
Reply to  George

I would presume it would all be preparatory work in case a conflict does break out … well except for the tap work of course which would have potential benefits and would not disrupt trade so might go on at any time.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  George

Agree George. More likely wanting to gather intelligence, not cut them.
They are alarmed I believe, so any breaks are immediately apparent.

AlexS
AlexS
2 years ago
Reply to  George

“At the moment, Russia has so many sanctions placed on them with an affect placing it’s economy half that of Italy.”

Russia economy is bigger than UK or Italy.

That is why they can get an independent full spectrum military industry from ICBM’s to spy satelites, Glonass, tanks, artillery, ships, aircraft etc.

Don’t fall for GDP on $ simply, you have to factor it with PPP.

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  AlexS

Well yes its easy to make all those things when the companies are either state owned or are privately owned and forced to build the stuff for a payment that may never be made.

Gunbuster
Gunbuster
2 years ago
Reply to  George

Its not just Fibre cables that in time of tension would be ripe for cutting
Electrical power interconnectors from the continent ( Lots of them in the channel) , cables from Off Shore Wind farms, Gas pipelines, IUSS/SOSUS cables would all go bye bye.
Imagine the results if at least 30 % of the UKs electrical power and gas supply to power stations was cut instantaneously.
I would personally leave the internet cables in place just to watch the financial markets crash as a result.

Stand Off Rocket Man
Stand Off Rocket Man
2 years ago
Reply to  Gunbuster

Ages ago I asked on here what the UK was doing to protect it’s Off Shore Wind farms etc, but I didn’t get much response.

Surely the protection on these should be one of our first priorities, but how? Is there a case for SSKs to be deployed in such a role? If we had some that is…

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago

Half the Residents along the West Sussex coast would love to see them disappear as they spoil the view which they have spent a lot of money on their Retirement homes . Hee Hee .Hee

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago

23/09/21 Stand off, little update on the Rampion Wind farm West Sussex Objections all the way even Our MP Russia needn’t bother we’re shooting ourselves in the Foot for them

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago
Reply to  Gunbuster

What would be worse if someone could deploy EMP bursts ?

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago
Reply to  George

Could just be tapping in we’ve done sorry our Allies have done it we fell behind looking for a waterproof USB stick

spyintheskyuk
spyintheskyuk
2 years ago

I wonder if this ship could form part of the suspicious, devious Russian actions presently being carried out against HMS Vigil.

Something Different
Something Different
2 years ago
Reply to  spyintheskyuk

Shhhh no spoilers, I still need to get around to seeing it! 🤣

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  spyintheskyuk

I had to look that up as didn’t have the foggiest what you were on about…

Andy a
Andy a
2 years ago
Reply to  spyintheskyuk

It’s the Americans following it!!

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago
Reply to  spyintheskyuk

Please don’t go there I now refuse to pay my TV licence and I put my foot through my telly And sent the BBC the bill

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Tommo

Impressive! Look up the book “The Noble Liar”
That will help with your recuperation!

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago

Thanks Danele , will Google that after my Court summons for nib payment of TV licence even though I no longer have a telly

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Tommo

It’s by Robin Aitken, ex BBC journo no less, exposing what he found in his career there. They push their own agenda, like many.
I support the BBC as an institution and enjoy several of their programmes, but would not touch their news with a barge pole. I look at all sides then form my own conclusions.

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago

When it means EX BBC I’ll bet a bottom Dollar he’ll be on a good public funded license payers Pension and like yourself 503 BBC news is a no no

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago
Reply to  spyintheskyuk

Jack Ryan would have sorted it before .The landlubbing Police had stepped foot on the Hull job done or was that Red October

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  spyintheskyuk

I did say on day one watching the opening credits its the Russians, not just to take the usual anti Russian stance but Putin himself makes a very brief appearance in the opening sequence!

Coll
Coll
2 years ago

Was this the same ship off the coast of Ireland near two undersea cables? Nevermind. I saw that part of the article.

Last edited 2 years ago by Coll
Stand Off Rocket Man
Stand Off Rocket Man
2 years ago

Surprised nobody has mentioned that Russia has been talking about having it’s own internet, completely separate from the www. Good for keeping control of what information the population see and for being self sufficient when it comes to war.

Reaper
Reaper
2 years ago

Russia can’t afford a large war with anyone apart from tiny players..And It gets lots of its money from the west and billions tied up in the west.

It’s kind of like China but to a lesser extent, too interconnected to start a war, we all need each other these days with all the multinationals and money tied up all Over the west.

Ulya
Ulya
2 years ago

Not just talking about it, has been tested and upgrading, last test we had was about 6 weeks ago, speed was normal and every site I normally visit including ukdj and my new favourite UK media daily mail was still able to access. Very good for being self sufficient like many things we are working towards. As you say, all so good if government wants to control what we have access to but any government can already do that with current set up including yours

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

Daily Mail! I hope you are having a few good laughs.

Im in the middle east and yes they can block access to many things on the current internet very easily as nation.

Ulya
Ulya
2 years ago
Reply to  James

Daily Mail does make me laugh, it is a good time waster. I use to read BBC but it is too much like RT so stopped with UK media. Someone here mention daily Mail during conversation about that stupid incident in the black sea so I read from then.
Where in the ME may I ask? I work for time in UAE, Iran and done short trips to Syria and Iraq but now not allowed back by my company

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  Ulya

Im currently in UAE at the moment.

Daily mail at times is more like joke media, they do have the bare truths of a story but its rarely accurate more for a laugh than anything else!

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago
Reply to  James

Do they still black ink out certain articles

Jon
Jon
2 years ago

Does cable-cutting only refer to information, rather than power lines? Do Britain and France have backup cable infrastructure running through the Chunnel? Are there plans/measures to protect transatlantic cables in the public domain? (I’m not looking for a list, just curious as to whether they exist openly.)

PS. I just spotted the Navy Lookout article on this from a few months ago. I must have missed it.

Last edited 2 years ago by Jon
Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago
Reply to  Jon

When they built the Channel tunnel the idea was floated of NG powerlines from Europe running along the tunnel but daily mail readers put the dampers on that they didn’t want their views of the tunnel being spoilt by dirty black cables

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago
Reply to  Jon

Wed’s morning News Fire at N Grid Anglo-French powerline Wed’s midday News power disruption to France to continue until Oct Daily Mail readers ecstatic

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago
Reply to  Jon

Hi Jon talking of cross Channel Power lines this week in fact there was a fire in the power distribution Kent disrupting supplies to France until October

Leslie Leveson
Leslie Leveson
2 years ago

Commander Rasputin is here there and everywhere and loves to agitate in all areas of the world.Thankfully the Royal Navy will receive the ships with modern technology in a ever changing scenario to meet the threats.

Tommo
Tommo
2 years ago
Reply to  Leslie Leveson

Hope that there’s a Boney M class