The Russian "research fleet" has enormous reconnaissance and sabotage potential, targeting NATO’s underwater infrastructure in critical regions, including the Baltic, Barents, and North Seas, as well as the global ocean. The capabilities and threats posed by Russia's research vessels are studied at the University of Texas.
At first glance, oceanic research seems like a peaceful activity, but in Russia's hands, it carries significant risks for the modern world. Experts at the University of Texas recall the recent incident in the Irish Sea, where the research vessel "Yantar" was intercepted by the Irish Navy while deploying UAVs near vital underwater energy and internet cables.
For decades, Russia has used hydrographic vessels for reconnaissance and sabotage against the underwater infrastructure of NATO and EU members. The "research fleet" is managed by the Navigation and Oceanography Directorate in collaboration with the Russian Ministry of Defense’s "Main Directorate for Deepwater Research." This department controls the special-purpose nuclear submarines BS-64 "Podmoskovye" and BS-136 "Orenburg," along with research vessels "Yantar" and "Almaz." The Russian Navy also operates numerous hydrographic vessels designed for maritime, river, and lake surveys, as well as pilotage work, including catamarans and boats, often used for dual purposes.
Since the Soviet era, Russia has maintained a fleet of research vessels serving civilian, scientific, and military purposes. While the USSR once had one of the largest research fleets, its collapse left Russia struggling to modernize aging vessels. Despite this, Russia’s research fleet remains central to its naval strategy, particularly for underwater intelligence and sabotage operations.
Russia continues to focus on deep-sea capabilities, backed by a dedicated agency for underwater operations and intelligence gathering. With economic pressure from the Ukraine invasion and competition with NATO, Moscow is likely to prioritize these capabilities, including potential threats to Europe’s renewable energy infrastructure. A recent incident involving a Russia-linked tanker damaging undersea cables highlights this growing focus.
The accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO has intensified Russia’s concerns in the Baltic Sea. The Gulf of Finland, vital for access to Kaliningrad, could be blocked by Finnish and Estonian navies, isolating Russia’s Baltic Fleet and highlighting its strategic vulnerability. Russia is also strengthening its naval ties with China, with recent joint exercises focusing on mine-laying operations and combat support. Additionally, a Russian research vessel violated Finnish waters, underscoring ongoing provocations.
In response, NATO is increasing its maritime presence in key regions. While Russia has deep-sea expertise, its aging research fleet is nearing obsolescence. Modernizing this fleet will be crucial for Russia to maintain its underwater ambitions.
