Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk33/2023

Task Force Composition

As reported by OSINT at the morning of Aug-19


Weekly Brief

The task force provided escort for the weapons runner Sparta IV as it transited from Tartus towards the Bosporus. The escort was provided once again by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the corvette Orekhovo-Zuyevo. This heavy escort could indicate that Russia fears the presence of Ukrainian teams attempting to strike the Sparta IV as it passes through the Aegean Sea.

Additional vessels have entered the Mediterranean in the form a fleet oiler and an intelligence collection vessel. It is most likely that the Kildin will track NATO forces in the Mediterranean, however, given the unusual strong fixation of the task force to provide escort for Russian vessels transporting military cargo, it might be possible that the Kildin will linger in the Aegean Sea to provide additional overwatch.

Daily Events

August 13
Altay class fleet oiler Yelnya and intelligence collection vessel Kildin have passed the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Mediterranean [1].

Training vessel Perekop departed the Mediterranean by passing through the Strait of Gibraltar [2].

Imagery of the port of Tartus revealed the presence of Aleksandrit class minehunter Vladimir Emelyanov, the fleet oiler Vyazma, the logistic support vessel Vice-Admiral Paramov and the rescue tug Sergey Balk [3]

August 15
Weapons runner Sparta IV was observed near the Turkish island of Bozcaada, awaiting passage through the Bosporus [4]. She was later visually spotted passing through the Bosporus during the night and entered the Black Sea [5].

August 18
Imagery of the port of Tartus revealed the return of the Admiral Gorhkov and Orekhovo-Zuyevo. Improved Kilo class submarine Krasnodar was absent from port [6].

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