Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk01/2022

Task Force Composition

As reported by OSINT at the morning of January 08

Weekly Brief

Several Russian Navy vessels completed their transit through the Mediterranean and joined the Black Sea Fleet. Important to notice was the absence of the Improved Kilo Class submarine RFS Novorossiysk. The submarine will most likely be stationed at Tartus and complete a tour of duty for several of months before heading into the Black Sea. 
The transit of the minehunter RFS Georgy Kurbatov raised several question as she was observed being taken in tow by the rescue tug SB-739 Vasily Bekh. Several theories are in place such as breakdowns of propulsion or steering as well as a limit amount of fuel to complete the journey to the Black Sea. The minehunter was however observed passing the Dardanelles under her own power.

Daily Events

January 06
Logistic support vessel Vsevolod Bobrov and rescue tug SB-739 Vasily Bekh are approaching the Dardanelles and appear to start their transit towards the Black Sea. It is assumed that Aleksandrit class minehunter RFS Georgy Kurbatov and Improved Kilo class submarine RFS Novorossiysk are also in this task group [1].

The presence of the RFS Georgy Kurbatov was reported and the vessel was visually observed passing through the Dardanelles and heading into the Sea of Marmara [2].

January 07
Logistic support vessel Vsevolod Bobrov was observed passing through the Bosporus and heading towards the Black Sea. The vessel was travelling independently [3].

Aleksandrit class minehunter RFS Georgy Kurbatov and rescue tug SB-739 Vasily Bekh passed through the Bosporus. The minehunter was first observed moving under her own power but was later seen being taken in tow by the SB-739 [4]. Though not confirmed, the fact that she was taken under town during the passage could suggest a breakdown of propulsion or steering.


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