Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk28/2021

Task Force composition

As reported by OSINT at noon of July 17

Weekly Brief

Naval activity in the Mediterranean remains low with few naval movements reported through OSINT. The arrival of the Baltic Fleet Ropucha class vessels on July 11 confirms that the amphibious build-up in the Black Sea has ended. Both the Baltic Fleets as the two Northern Fleet Ropucha class LTSs are expected to return to their homeports in the coming weeks. It is rumored that all four vessels will remain in Tartus to take part in the Navy Day celebrations on July 25.

Patrol vessel RFS Vasiliy Bykov  is patrolling the Eastern Mediterranean and held a three day long port visit in Piraeus, Greece. A regular rotation of sea going tugs supporting the task force also took place, with Sergei Balk replacing the Shakhter.

Daily Events

July 11
Baltic Fleet Ropucha class landing ships RFS Kaliningrad and RFS Korolev were observed passing through the Bosporus and heading towards the Mediterranean [1] [2]. Both vessels are most likely heading towards Tartus, Syria.

July 12
Patrol vessel RFS Vasiliy Bykov arrived in the port of Piraeus, Greece, for a port visit which will last for several days [3] [4].

Rescue tug Sergei Balk transited the Bosporus and headed to Mediterranean. The vessel is part of the 205th auxiliary ship squadron [5].

July 14
Patrol vessel RFS Vasiliy Bykov left the port of Piraeus, Greece, following a three day long port visit [6].

July 15
Sliva class rescue tug Shakhter of the 145th Rescue ship squad was visually spotted transiting the Bosporus and heading into the Black Sea [7]. 

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