Black Sea Fleet deployments-Wk49/2021

Weekly Brief

Several naval transits took place with the loaded landing vessel RFS Tsezar Kunikov heading towards Tartus, Syria, and the RFS Novocherkask heading into the Sea of Azov. Other vessels such as the RFS Sergei Kotov and RFS Cyclon are conducting regular training exercises and factory trails respectively.



Exercises and movements

December 06
The Naval Aviation regiment are holding combat exercises as part of the winter training program. The aircraft and helicopters train in engaging coastal and naval targets as well as search and track submarines and surface vessels. Around 20 aircraft take part in the training exercise, these include Su-30SM fighters, Su-24M bombers, Be-12, An-26 aircraft, Mi-8 and Ka-27 helicopters [1] [2].

December 07
Ropucha class LSTs RFS Tsezar Kunikov and RFS Novocherkassk embarked around 10 pieces of military equipment of the 810th NI Brigade and an unspecified amount of marines. The embarkation took place at Cossack Bay in Sevastopol. Both vessels departed the harbor and are headed towards the Opuk training ground [3]. Most likely an amphibious assault will be trained at Opuk.

A NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) training exercise was reported in the port of Sevastopol. Crews of large landing vessels, missile boats, anti-submarine vessels and minehunters were involved. The exercise dealt with treating the upper decks, weapon systems, internal areas and combat posts on board of these vessels [4].

December 08
Bykov class patrol vessel RFS Sergei Kotov held a naval gunner exercise at an unspecified location in the Black Sea but presumably near the naval base of Novorossiysk. The vessel fired her AK-176 naval gun, several large machine guns and the DP-65 anti-sabotage grenade launchers. The gunnery exercise is part of the factory trails [5].

Ropucha class LST RFS Tsezar Kunikov and rescue tug MB-304 passed through the Bosporus and headed towards the Mediterranean [6] [7] [8] [9]. It is unknown if the RFS Tsezar Kunikov is transporting a detachment of Naval Infantry that was involved in the embarkation exercise on December 07.

Tapir class landing vessel RFS Orsk has entered the Black Sea following a supply run to the Syrian port of Tartus, Syria. The vessel was visually spotted passing the Bosporus [10].

December 09
Rescue tug Epron held a salvation exercised aimed at refloating a vessel as part of the regular training program [11].

December 11
Karakurt class corvette RFS Cyclon moved from Novorossiysk towards Sevastopol where it will complete her sea trails [12] [13].

Ropucha class landing vessel RFS Novocherkassk passed through the Kerch Strait and headed into the Sea of Azov [14].

Popular posts from this blog

Russian Naval deployments during the Ukraine War

Image
March 17, 2022 At least six Russian warships were observed near Odessa. The warships maintained their distance and operated on the horizon. March 16, 2022 Several vessels entered the port of Sevastopol including the patrol vessel Vasily Bykov. The Bykov was rumored to be struck and sunk by a Ukrainian grad MLRS barrage near Odessa on March 07 dough this was never officially confirmed.  The visual confirmation of the vessel entering the port of Sevastopol undamaged indicates that if an MLRS attack took place, it did not struck the Bykov. Ropucha class landing vessel Kondopoga of the northern fleet allegedly also entered the port of Sevastopol. March 15, 2022 Several Russian warships and landing ships were spotted on commercial satellite imagery during the morning hours. The vessels were heading in the direction of Odessa.  The vessel leading the formation of landing ships appears to be minesweeper with her sweeping array deployed. During the evening, around 90 missiles were reported fir
Read more

Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk20/2024

Image
Task Force Composition As reported by OSINT at the morning of May-18 Weekly Brief A significant reduction in combat strength took place with the departure of Northern and Baltic Fleet warships as well as the Buyan-M class corvette Orekhovo-Zuyevo. This leaves the task force reduced to a detachment of the Pacific Fleet and the frigate Admiral Grigorovich.  The departure also included the two amphibious landing vessels, thus resulting in an end to maritime weapon shipments for Russian mercenary forces stationed in Libya. Daily Events May 11 Civilian oil tanker Okeansky Prospect entered the Mediterranean during the afternoon via the Strait of Gibraltar [ 1 ]. Weapons runner Sparta IV was anchored near Malta and would stay there until May 13th. Frigate Admiral Grigorovich was observed sailing near Sparta IV [ 2 ]. May 12 Logistic support vessel Vice-Admiral Paromov was observed entering the Mediterranean via the Strait of Gibraltar at 10.45 local time [ 3 ]. Russian oil tanker Vladimir Mon
Read more

Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk36/2024

Image
Task Force Composition As reported by OSINT at the morning of Sep-07 Weekly Brief Fleet oiler Akademik Pashin, most likely escorted by the frigate Neustrashimy, unexpectedly departed the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. Their destination was not reported though several Russian interests are present in the region such as Sudan, Yemen and Iran. A long term Indian Ocean deployment appears to be unlikely since these deployments are almost always handled by vessels of Russia's Pacific Fleet. Improved Kilo class submarine Novorossiysk has been closing in on the Strait of Gibraltar. The submarine and her escorts could be entering the Mediterranean in Week 37. Daily Events September 02 Fleet oiler Akademik Pashin is reported 120 to 140 nautical miles from the entrance of the Suez Canal. The vessel is escorted by an unidentified frigate [ 1 ]. September 03 Satellite imagery of the port of Tartus confirmed the presence of Improved Kilo class submarine Ufa, frigate Admiral Grigorovich, Stere
Read more