A Russian intelligence-gathering ship is being monitored by the Defence Forces off the Irish coast.
It is understood that LÉ Samuel Beckett was dispatched to monitor the vessel in recent days as it sailed through the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone.
RTÉ News has learned that Russian ship, the Viktor Leonov, is sailing towards Havana in Cuba.
LÉ Samuel Beckett, along with an Air Corps maritime surveillance aircraft, is shadowing the vessel as it makes its way through Ireland’s EEZ.
Attempts were made by the Irish Naval Service to communicate with the vessel to establish its purpose in the area, however the Viktor Leonov has not responded.
In a statement, the Defence Forces said that it does not comment on operations.
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris has received a report on the matter.
The Viktor Leonov is part of the Vishnya class of intelligence-gathering ships and is usually found operating near the east coast of the United States.
These types of vessels can gather intelligence through intercepting communications.
In November, a Russian spy ship was found to be operating near subsea cables in the Irish Sea.
The Irish Naval Service monitored the activity of the Yantar - which has a crew of 60 and is ostensibly a Russian navy oceanographic research vessel - as part of a multinational intelligence-led operation.
