A calm Russian fish factory ship named ESTER (MMSI: 273397450) , which departed from Istanbul, is currently sailing in the Ionian Sea heading west.
Everything seems normal, right? At first glance, yes. At the same time, a US Navy Boeing P-8A, taking off from NAS Sigonella, is flying in the area. Are these two things connected? Initially, one might say no.
However, things are not always as they seem.
According to a joint investigation by public broadcasters in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, which was released in April, Russia is allegedly running a program to spy on NATO assets and key infrastructure using fishing vessels. The report mentioned suspicious activities conducted in the North Sea by a series of Russian workshop ships/fishing vessels.
During an inspection conducted in a Danish port, “equipment capable of sending and receiving military messages” was found on one of these units, indicating that Russia may be using the fishing vessels to support its military activities.
The same equipment is allegedly present on the ESTER. It is highly likely, therefore, that the ship is being closely monitored by NATO assets, and the extended mission of the American Poseidon is not entirely unrelated to these activities.
Keep ItaMilRadar independent 📡
If you appreciate the daily tracking and OSINT analysis, you can support my work on Patreon, helping me cover server and radar costs while keeping the website free and independent. Check out the support tiers to unlock exclusive perks, such as Early Access radar alerts on strategic movements and a direct line for your questions.
I love Putin and Russia. They are loving and hate chaos but can become deadly if disturbed. What is happening by Prigozhin is desperation which Putin should forgive and demobilize the man from deadly war with trauma etc. One big problem is Shigoui the defense Minister I saw long time in 2022 he acts as a mole, slowly eating up Putin military operations in Ukraine. Even Prigozhin outburst, he knew he can’t match to Moscow but look at such a desperation means he needs rehabilitation. Thee problem is Defense Minister has issues hidden against Putin.