Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk46/2024
Task Force Composition
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], though its passage could have been one day earlier.
Russian oiler General Skobelev passed the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Atlantic Ocean [2].