Uncovering the details of a Russian naval operation, experts analyze the implications of military protection for shadow fleet vessels.
**Russian Warship Disguises Identity While Navigating English Channel**
**Russian Warship Disguises Identity While Navigating English Channel**
A new investigation reveals a Russian corvette used fake identification while escorting sanctioned tankers.
Reports indicate that the Russian warship, Boikiy, took measures to conceal its identity by broadcasting a false identification signal while traversing the English Channel with two sanctioned oil tankers. This revelation comes from a BBC Verify investigation that demonstrated how the corvette misidentified itself and appeared as previously known vessels on tracking platforms.
During its transit on Saturday, the Boikiy, equipped with guided missiles, used a misleading ID code that misled tracking services. Through satellite imagery, tracking data, and video confirmation, BBC Verify successfully identified the Boikiy, despite its attempts at disguise. It was noted to be travelling alongside two ships connected to Russia's controversial "shadow fleet," a collective that keeps ownership of sanctioned oil tankers obscure to dodge international sanctions.
The investigation comes amidst escalating scrutiny of Russia’s maritime activities, which may have prompted a protective military strategy. Last month, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet was observed near a shadow fleet ship entering Estonian airspace when attempts were made by local authorities to intercept. Analysts suggest that these actions aim to dissuade NATO forces from taking aggressive actions against the transporting tankers, as military escorts increase the risks of heightened confrontations.
The Boikiy's movements were initially flagged on social media by independent analyst Christian Panton. The corvette had earlier departed from Guinea after a diplomatic endeavor. Images of its dock in Conakry have surfaced online, and its journey to the Channel, marked by the peculiar use of a generic identification number, reflects a notable deviation from standard maritime protocol for Russian vessels.
Typically, Russian ships opt to turn off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) to remain untraceable. However, this unique camouflage strategy underscores an unusual operational choice. The corvette was subsequently joined by two sanctioned oil tankers, the Sierra and Naxos, after their passage from India through the Suez Canal and Mediterranean Sea.
UK defense sources confirmed to BBC Verify that the Royal Navy monitored the Boikiy’s passage through the Channel, with further satellite imagery suggesting a vessel following closely behind – the specifics of which remain undetermined. Once past the Channel, the Boikiy was seen heading towards the Baltic Sea alongside the oil tankers, yet their final destination remains unknown as they continue their voyage through these crucial waters.
In related developments, discussions surrounding additional sanctions against Putin's shadow fleet by the UK government are underway, reflecting ongoing international concerns about Russia's maritime strategies.
During its transit on Saturday, the Boikiy, equipped with guided missiles, used a misleading ID code that misled tracking services. Through satellite imagery, tracking data, and video confirmation, BBC Verify successfully identified the Boikiy, despite its attempts at disguise. It was noted to be travelling alongside two ships connected to Russia's controversial "shadow fleet," a collective that keeps ownership of sanctioned oil tankers obscure to dodge international sanctions.
The investigation comes amidst escalating scrutiny of Russia’s maritime activities, which may have prompted a protective military strategy. Last month, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet was observed near a shadow fleet ship entering Estonian airspace when attempts were made by local authorities to intercept. Analysts suggest that these actions aim to dissuade NATO forces from taking aggressive actions against the transporting tankers, as military escorts increase the risks of heightened confrontations.
The Boikiy's movements were initially flagged on social media by independent analyst Christian Panton. The corvette had earlier departed from Guinea after a diplomatic endeavor. Images of its dock in Conakry have surfaced online, and its journey to the Channel, marked by the peculiar use of a generic identification number, reflects a notable deviation from standard maritime protocol for Russian vessels.
Typically, Russian ships opt to turn off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) to remain untraceable. However, this unique camouflage strategy underscores an unusual operational choice. The corvette was subsequently joined by two sanctioned oil tankers, the Sierra and Naxos, after their passage from India through the Suez Canal and Mediterranean Sea.
UK defense sources confirmed to BBC Verify that the Royal Navy monitored the Boikiy’s passage through the Channel, with further satellite imagery suggesting a vessel following closely behind – the specifics of which remain undetermined. Once past the Channel, the Boikiy was seen heading towards the Baltic Sea alongside the oil tankers, yet their final destination remains unknown as they continue their voyage through these crucial waters.
In related developments, discussions surrounding additional sanctions against Putin's shadow fleet by the UK government are underway, reflecting ongoing international concerns about Russia's maritime strategies.
