Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk25/2021

Task Force Composition
As reported by OSINT at noon of June 26

Weekly Brief

Russian naval activity is increasing in the Eastern Mediterranean as a large scale naval exercise is scheduled to take place in the near future. The arrival of additional aircraft and the participation of the two Improved Kilo class submarines suggest a strong focus on air defense and anti-submarine warfare during this exercise. Though no starting date has so far been officially reported, the exercise will start soon and might even take place at the same time as NATO maritime forces conduct the Sea Breeze exercise in the Black Sea.
The participation of both Kilo class submarines is notable. Over the past months these submarines were observed on satellite imagery as being in port which suggest that the crews of these vessels have seen little to no training at sea. As such, the expected Russian Naval exercise will not only test the combat efficiency and readiness of the surface vessels RFS Moskva, RFS Admiral Makarov and RFS Admiral Essen, but also those of the two submarines stationed at Tartus.

Daily Events

June 20
Tapir class landing ship RFS Saratov returned back to the Black Sea after completing another supply run to the Russian naval base in Tartus, Syria. Her passage through the Bosporus was reported at 04330Z [1]. The vessel spent 11 days in the Mediterranean is heading towards Sevastopol.

June 22
Slava class cruiser RFS Moskva and Grigorovich class frigate RFS Admiral Essen conducted a replenishment at sea together with the Olemka class oiler RFS Iman. The RAS activity was reported in the eastern Mediterranean, northwest of Alexandria [2].

June 25
The Russian Navy started naval combat exercises in the Mediterranean which are to include three surface warships, two submarines and several aircraft. The drills involve the missile cruiser RFS Moskva, the frigates RFS Admiral Essen and RFS Admiral Makarov and the Improved Kilo class submarines RFS Stary Oskol and RFS Rostov on Don [3].
Several aircraft will also take part in this exercise. These include MiG31K fighter aircraft, Il-38 maritime patrol aircraft and Tu-23M3 long range bombers. These aircraft will operate from Hmeimim airbase in Syria [4] [5].

Rescue tug Sergei Balk and Grachonok class anti-sabotage boat RFS Kursant Kirovets passed through the Bosporus and headed to the Black Sea. Sergei Balk was observed towing the RFS Kursant Kirovets during the passage [6].

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