Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk51/2023

Task Force Composition

As reported by OSINT at the morning of Dec-22

Weekly Brief
Improved Kilo class submarine Ufa arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean though it is unknown how long this submarine will remain in this area. The submarine is intended to join Russia's Pacific Fleet but so far, no rescue tug or fleet oiler of the Pacific Fleet have been spotted heading to the Mediterranean.
It is possible that the Ufa will remain in theatre for three to six months to provide submarine capabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean until another Improved Kilo class submarine can be send to relief the Ufa.

Daily Events
December 16
The AIS signal of rescue tug Sergey Balk was reported just west of the Strait of Gibraltar and heading eastwards into the Mediterranean. The rescue tug is escorting the Improved Kilo class submarine Ufa which is transiting towards the Pacific Ocean [1].

December 19
Satellite imagery of the port of Tartus revealed the presence of the corvettes Merkury and Orekhovo-Zuyevo as well as fleet oiler Yelnya and repair vessel PM-82 [2]. Weapons runner Ursa Major was also observed still moored inside the port.

December 20
Improved Kilo class submarine Ufa and rescue tug Sergei Balk are reported south of Sardinia and heading eastwards. At the same time a US Navy Boeing P-8A, operating from NAS Sigonella, kept track off fleet oiler Kama when it was southeast of Sicily [3].

December 22
Improved Kilo class submarine Ufa and rescue tug Sergei Balk are reported southeast of Sicily and being tracked by a US Navy Boeing P-8A [4].

The AIS signal of fleet oiler Kama was reported during the morning in a position south of Crete. The oiler is heading eastwards at a speed of 10.4 knots.



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