Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk26/2023

Task Force Composition
As reported by OSINT at the morning of Jun-29

Weekly Brief
The departure of the Pacific Fleet's warships might take place on a short notice. The presence of the Pacific Fleet's rescue tug Alatau indicates that preparations are in progress to escort the Improved Kilo class submarine Ufa from Tartus towards Vladivostok.

At the same time, the Russian task force operates a small surface action group composed of the frigates Marshal Shaposhnikov and Admiral Grigorovich. The location of this SAG was not reported through OSINT means.

Daily Events
June 23
Satellite imagery of the port of Tartus showed the presence of Slava class cruiser Varyag, Udaloy class frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov and Steregushchy class corvette Merkury as well as the Altay class oiler Kola [1]

June 26
Several vessels of the task force were visually observed being moored or at anchor at Tartus, Syria. These vessels were identified as the Slava class cruiser Varyag, the Improved Kilo class submarine Ufa, Steregushchy class corvette Merkury, Altay class oiler Kola and logistic support vessel Admiral Paromov [2].
Also present is the rescue tug Alatau from the Pacific Fleet which entered the Red Sea on June 12th [3].

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