Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk37/2022

Task Force Composition

As reported by OSINT at the morning of Sep-17

Weekly Brief
The presence of the fleet oiler Akademik Pashin in the northern Ionian Sea suggest a small Russian task force is operating in this area. Both the Udaloy class destroyer Admiral Tributs and Gorshkov class frigate Admiral Kasatonov were previously not observed in the port of Tartus, Syria. It is most likeley that both vessels form a small task force to keep track of the US Navy carrier group centered on the aircraft carrier USS George Bush.
Rescue tug Sergei Balk has been steadily moving westwards from the Eastern towards the Central Mediterranean. IT is assumed that the vessel will continue heading west towards Algeria. It is unknow if the vessel will make a port visit or will be waiting there to escort a new Russian vessel from Gibraltar towards Tartus.
The position of the Yasen class attack submarine Severodvinsk was not reported through OSINT as no specific maritime patrol missions stood out to keep track of her. Most likely, this submarine operates in the Ionian and Adriatic Seas to keep track of NATO carrier groups.

Daily Events

September 12
Rescue tug Sergei Balk departed the port of Tartus during the forenoon and was reported southeast of Ayia Napa during the evening. The vessel was last reported heading west [1].

September 13
Slava class cruiser Varyag was observed on satellite imagery while at anchor outside the Syrian port of Tartus [2].

September 15
Rescue tug Sergei Balk is presumed to enter the Central Mediterranean overnight. The vessel is still reported on a western course [3].

September 16
Fleet oiler Akademik Pashin is reported west of the Greek island of Zakynthos. According to the AIS signal of the vessel, it is possible that she conducted a replenishment at sea for other Russian vessels [4].

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