British warship and helicopter chased off Russian submarine off Irish coast as Putin’s forces probe weaknesses on UK’s western flank

Military sources have revealed that a British warship and helicopter were forced to chase away a Russian submarine lurking off the Irish coast.

The submarine was found immediately south of the entrance to Cork Harbour, just outside the 12-mile territorial boundary that each state has under international law.

A Russian-registered civilian ship was accompanying the submarine at the time and would have acted as its “surface satellite,” military insiders told the submarine. Irish examiner.

Just before dark, a British helicopter flew into the area and dropped sonar equipment into the water, hovered briefly and then left the scene.

Shortly afterwards, a Royal Navy anti-submarine frigate arrived to monitor the submarine's movements on behalf of Ireland.

The submarine was found just outside the 12-mile territorial boundary allowed to all states under international law (archive photo)

The submarine and accompanying ship were found outside the entrance to Cork Harbor (pictured)

Although the mission took place six months ago, details were only recently shared.

Sources told the Irish Examiner that Royal Navy vessels were used because the Irish military does not have the capacity to monitor the movements of submarines on its own warships.

Military sources told the newspaper that Russia has realized that this leaves Britain vulnerable on its western flank.

They added that these near-raids are becoming increasingly common along the Irish coast.

The Royal Navy is already monitoring Russian warships off the south coast of Ireland, which are 'making a point at Britain' in a 'worrying' sign of Putin's increased aggression.

The group of Russian ships is believed to have supported the war in Ukraine, according to naval sources.

They are led by the Slava-class cruiser Marshall Ustinov, sister ship to the Moskva, destroyed by Ukrainian missiles.

Russia has realized that Britain is vulnerable on its western flank, military sources said

The Russian group of warships also includes the destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov and the tanker Vyazma, along with a suspected submarine.

It is not known where the ships will go next, but sources claim the ships are “making a point” to Britain that they are close.

Some naval experts have said they could pass by a naval base at Faslane. If the boats take a route like this, naval vessels may have to patrol for longer than expected because Faslane houses Britain's nuclear deterrent.

Former nuclear-powered submarine captain and commander Ryan Ramsey said: “The Russians have every right to do this, but it is absolutely a posturing and a return to more aggressive Cold War behavior on their part.

“This could be part of Putin's strategy to push NATO in every environment. Within this group will be a Russian hunter-killer, but she will not enter the Irish Sea because the tidal current would make it too dangerous.'

MailOnline has contacted both the British Ministry of Defense and the Irish Army for comment.