Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk36/2024

Task Force Composition
As reported by OSINT at the morning of Sep-07

Weekly Brief
Fleet oiler Akademik Pashin, most likely escorted by the frigate Neustrashimy, unexpectedly departed the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. Their destination was not reported though several Russian interests are present in the region such as Sudan, Yemen and Iran. A long term Indian Ocean deployment appears to be unlikely since these deployments are almost always handled by vessels of Russia's Pacific Fleet.

Improved Kilo class submarine Novorossiysk has been closing in on the Strait of Gibraltar. The submarine and her escorts could be entering the Mediterranean in Week 37.

Daily Events
September 02
Fleet oiler Akademik Pashin is reported 120 to 140 nautical miles from the entrance of the Suez Canal. The vessel is escorted by an unidentified frigate [1].

September 03
Satellite imagery of the port of Tartus confirmed the presence of Improved Kilo class submarine Ufa, frigate Admiral Grigorovich, Steregushchy class corvette Merkury and fleet oiler Yelnya [2].

Tha AIS signal of the fleet oiler Akademik Pashin is reproted near Cape Gharib, past the Suze Canal [1].

September 04
Fleet oiler Akademik Pashin and an unidentified frigate, presumed to be the Neustrashimy, were observed around 84 nautical miles south of Sharm el Sheikh [3] [4].

Frigate Admiral Gorshkov is presumed anchored near the port of Tartus [5].

September 06
Satellite imagery of the port of Tartus confirmed the presence of Improved Kilo class submarine Ufa, frigate Admiral Grigorovich, fleet oiler Yelnya and an unknown cargo vessel [6].

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