Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk04/2021

Task Force composition

As reported by OSINT on the morning of January 31

Weekly Brief

Russian maritime forces in the Mediterranean are starting to shift forces towards the Indian Ocean for the AMAN2021 naval exercise in Pakistan in February. So far, only the frigate RFS Admiral Grigorovich and patrol vessel RFS Dmitry Rogachev have passed through the Suez Canal. It is expected, though not yet verified, that RFS Admiral Kasatonov and RFS Stoiky might also be joining the Pakistani naval exercise. The replenishment stop of RFS Stoiky and fleet oiler RFS Kola at Limassol could indicate a final preparation before heading towards the Indian Ocean.
Naval activity has otherwise remained normal with two combat exercises that took place in the eastern Mediterranean during the beginning of the week.

Daily events

January 26
Stereguschy class corvette RFS Stoiky and Altay class replenishment oiler RFS Kola arrived at the port of Limassol, Cyprus at 09:20Z [1]. The vessels will replenish their supplies while moored and allow the crew to take shore leave. Routine maintenance and inspection of the vessels will be carried out as well during the port visit. [2] [3]
On January 28, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that rescue tug Nikolay Chiker also arrived at Limassol for a two -day port visit in order to resupply food, water and fuel supplies.

Natya-I class minesweeper RFS Valentin Pikul held several naval exercises at on unspecified location in the Mediterranean. The minesweeper conducted gunnery exercises against simulated surface and air targets as well as floating sea mines.
Following the artillery exercise, the crew also held damage control exercises, air-defense exercises and anti-sabotage exercises. [4] [5]

January 27
Project 11356 frigate RFS Admiral Grigorovich, escorted by rescue tug SB-739, were spotted on commercial satellite imagery in a position south of the Gulf of Suez. Both vessels were on a southeastern course towards the Strait of Bab el Mandeb [6]. Both vessels are on their way towards Pakistan to join the international AMAN2021 naval exercise. 
Bykov class patrol vessel RFS Dmitry Rogachev is reported to be part of this task force as well. [7] 

Gorshkov class frigate RFS Admiral Kasatonov held an air defense exercise in the eastern Mediterranean. The exercise involved the use of the Poliment-Redut air defense system and was used to fend off a conventional air attack against the vessel. [8]

January 28
Rescue tug Nikolay Chiker left the port of Limassol, Cyprus, following a two day port visit during which food, water and fuel supplies were replenished. It is reported that the Nikolay Chiker will now make contact the Gorshkov class frigate RFS Admiral Kasatonov for joint combat training and search-and-rescue exercises. [9] 

January 29
Stereguschy class corvette RFS Stoiky and Atlay class fleet oiler RFS kola have left the port of Limassol, Cyprus. [10]

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