Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk29/2023
Task Force Composition
Weekly Brief
Following a period of inactivity, the task force is gradually increasing its deployments at sea. Frigate Admiral Gorshkov was reported at sea during the beginning of the week, holding air defense exercises at an undisclosed location, presumed to be in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Minehunter Vladimir Emelyanov remained absent from port, the vessel most likely patrols in front of Tartus, monitoring the underwater environment.
Daily Events
July 19th
Frigate Admiral Gorshkov held an air defense exercise while at sea in the Mediterranean. The exercise involved the use of a Ka-27 helicopter, most likely to simulate the enemy air contact [1].
Satellite imagery of the port of Tartus also showed that the Aleksandrit class minehunter Vladimir Emelyanov was at sea on this day [2].
July 21st
Frigate Admiral Gorshkov has returned to the port of Tartus while the minehunter Vladimir Emelyanov is still at sea.
Cloud cover obscured parts of the harbor but it appears the fleet oiler Vyazma was absent as well [3].