Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk49/2021

Task Force Composition

As reported by OSINT at the morning of December 11


Weekly Brief

With the arrival of the landing vessel RFS Tsezar Kunikov in the Mediterranean, there is reason to believe that Russia is rotation a company sized unit in and out of Syria. The vessel was involved in an embarkation drill on December 07 where it loaded a company sized element of Naval Infantry. The vessel was supposed to go to Opuk but instead headed straight towards the Bosporus, jugged from the transit times needed between Sevastopol and Istanbul. The vessel was visually observed in the Bosporus as heavy loaded, based on its waterline, which lends credence that a company sized NI unit and their BTRs are heading towards Syria. It is unknown if they will relieve another unit already present in Syria.

The main surface combatants of the task force continue to be used for naval diplomacy by participating in a joint naval exercise with the Egyptian Navy. These vessels were previously also reported taking part in a naval exercise with the Algerian Navy. The exercise with the Egyptian Navy also allows Russia to have a better understanding of the capabilities of Mistral class landing vessels andn Godwin class corvettes.

Daily Events

December 06
Frigate RFS Admiral Grigorovich, patrol vessel RFS Dmitry Rogachev and rescue tug SB-742 have started the "Bridge of Friendshap-2021" naval exercise together with the Egyptian Navy. The Egyptian Navy deploys one frigate, two corvettes and a support vessel during this exercise.
The exercise takes place in the Gulf of Alexandria and focusses on a variety of naval tasks such as assisting vessels in distress, resupply at sea, inspection of ships, engage surface vessels and air targets and destroying floating mines. The commander of the Novorossiysk naval base, Rear Admiral Viktor Kochemazov, is monitoring the exercise on behalf of the Russian Navy [1].
A video of the exercise showed the RFS Admiral Grigorovich firing her main 100mm gun, Ka-27PL ship-borne helicopters making passes at minimum altitude and sailors firing at simulated naval targets with side mounted heavy machine guns [2].

December 08
Ropucha class LST RFS Tsezar Kunikov and rescue tug MB-304 passed through the Bosporus and headed towards the Mediterranean [3] [4] [5] [6]. 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 [7].

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 [8].

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