Russian Navy - News and Analysis

Task Force Composition As reported by OSINT at the morning of Nov-27 Weekly Brief A new intelligence collection vessel, the Yantar, has entered the Mediterranean. Since the vessel operates without an escort, a refueling stop at Algiers was expected in order for the vessel to reach the Eastern Mediterranean. The vessel is designed as an oceanographic vessel meaning that she is specialized in mapping the undersea environment. Russia uses these vessels to locate and map underwater infrastructure such as data cables. Over the next months, the Yantar will be operating in the Central and Eastern Mediterranean. Daily Events November 25 Intelligence collection vessel Yantar passed the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Mediterranean [ 1 ]. November 26 Sanctioned Russian cargo vessel Lady Mariia passed the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Atlantic Ocean. The vessel is known for transporting weapons and military equipment [ 2 ]. November 27 The intelligence collection vessel Yantar reportedl...

Task Force Composition As reported by OSINT at the morning of Nov-23 Weekly Brief A period of heightened activity has ended with the vessels all present in the port of Tartus. The exception being Stereguschy class corvette Merkury which was reported in the Skagerrak between Denmark an Norway. The vessel most likely departed the Mediterranean directly following her port visit at Algiers, Algeria, during the previous week. Her passage at the Strait of Gibraltar went unnoticed by OSINT sources. Daily events November 20 Frigates Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Grigorovich, together with Improved Kilo class submarine Novorossiysk and fleet oiler Yelnya were observed in the port of Tartus [ 1 ]. November 21 Steregushchy class corvette Merkury was reported in the Skagerak during the morning [ 2 ].

Task Force Composition As reported by OSINT at the morning of Nov-16 Weekly Brief Reported activity remains low, limited to the port visit of the Merkury to Algeria. The port visit came at a moment when Algeria is discussing the acquisition of new surface vessels for its navy. Russia most likely hoped to influence Algeria in choosing for a Russian design. A new task force has entered the Mediterranean composed of the Gorshkov class frigate Admiral Golovko and her escorting fleet oiler Vyazma. It looks like Russia might be rotating the Admiral Gorshkov out in the upcoming weeks. Daily Events November 10 Steregushchy class corvette Merkury arrived in the port of Algiers for a three day long port visit [ 1 ]. November 15 Fleet oiler Vyazma reportedly passed through the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Mediterranean [ 2 ]. The vessel is most likely operating together with the frigate Admiral Golovko. Russian sources report the Admiral Golovko in the Mediterranean on November 16th [ 3 ],...

Task Force Composition As reported by OSINT at the morning of Nov-09 Weekly Brief No differentiation in the pattern of naval activity was observed during the past week. Russia appears to keep a surface action group of two surface vessels at sea. Daily Events November 5 Satellite imagery of the port of Tartus confirmed the presence of Improved Kilo class submarine Novorossiysk, frigate Admiral Gorshkov and fleet oiler Yelnya [ 1 ].

Task Force Composition As reported by OSINT at the morning of Nov-02 Weekly Brief The rate of naval deployments by the task force remains high with most vessels still at sea. Frigate Admiral Gorshkov was observed docking at Bizerte, Tunisia. Her presence at Bizerte corresponds with similar activity by other Russian vessels whereby Russia is trying to increase its maritime and military presence in various countries on the African continent. Tunisia is not a strong partner unlike neighboring Algeria and is more a neutral country. Russia is targeting these countries in order to increase diplomatic and economic connections in an attempt to circumvent Western economic sanctions. Daily Events October 27 Russian vessel General Skobelev is reported southeast of Cyprus according to her AIS signals. The vessel is heading in the direction of Tartus [ 1 ]. October 29 Frigate Admiral Gorshkov has arrived in the port of Bizerte, Tunisia. The vessel will hold several events for the Russian Embassy an...