'Hidden' Chinese research vessel in Bay of Bengal

A French maritime intelligence company, which uses satellites to track ships in the high seas, has pointed to a 'hidden' Chinese research vessel that was active in the Bay of Bengal for several days near Indian waters and attempted to hide its presence by switching off its Automatic Identification System.

In a 16-day survey carried out in the Bay of Bengal, where it tracked vessels using radio frequency emissions, the company found that nearly 10% of ships were operating without an active AIS, flagging off security concerns that has seen enhanced Chinese activity and signs of growing Sino-Bangladesh ties.

The survey by Unseenlabs tracked 1,897 vessels over the period, most of which were broadcasting legitimate AIS signals. However, 9.6% showed no AIS activity, indicating they were trying to conceal their positions.

In its report, the company has pointed to one particular Chinese research vessel that drew attention due to its proximity to areas of recent naval activity and its recurring presence in the Indian Ocean.

"While not broadcasting AIS, its RF signature was consistent and traceable, enabling our systems to monitor its movement over several days... We suspect that this prominent Chinese research vessel was likely operating with strategic intent," it said.

The French firm further said the Chinese vessel's mission appeared to include seafloor mapping, acoustic environment analysis and the identification of submarine transit corridors, which can be used for surveillance operations and anti-submarine warfare readiness.

The Indian Navy and Coast Guard closely monitor traffic around Indian waters and have also reported a constant presence of Chinese research vessels over the past few years. In this particular case, the Chinese ship was operating in international waters off the eastern coast, at a distance of 120 nautical miles from military zones. While Chinese warships and submarines operate in the Indian Ocean, naval planners believe it is only a matter of time before Beijing deploys its aircraft carriers in the region.