Russia's naval expansion: Missile corvette enters Mediterranean
Russia is enhancing its presence in the Mediterranean Sea. The missile corvette "Soobrazitielnyj" and the tanker "Kola" have sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar, joining the Russian contingent operating in the region.
What do you need to know?
- The Russian missile corvette Soobrazitielnyj has entered the Mediterranean Sea via the Strait of Gibraltar, accompanied by the naval tanker Kola.
- The Russian contingent in the Mediterranean currently comprises several units, including a submarine, a frigate, and a spy ship.
- Changes in Syria following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime have restricted Russia's access to the base in the port of Tartus, necessitating more frequent rotation of ships.
Moscow bolsters forces in the Mediterranean Sea
Another Russian ship has passed through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. The missile corvette "Soobrazitielnyj", from project 20380, was accompanied by the tanker "Kola".
Both vessels have joined the Russian Mediterranean contingent, which currently includes: a submarine, a tugboat, a frigate, a tanker, and a reconnaissance unit.
Just two years ago, Russia maintained about 15 ships in this area, representing all four fleets, with the Black Sea Fleet having a prominent presence due to the region's proximity.
Without a base in Syria, Russia revises strategy in the region
This changed last December, following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria. The new authorities in Damascus have prohibited the Russians from using the base in Tartus, where the 720th Material-Technical Support Point operated for years. A garrison of about 100 soldiers provided logistical support to Russian units operating in the Mediterranean Sea.
The loss of access to the Syrian port compels Moscow to rotate ships more frequently or utilise ports in Algeria, which still maintains friendly relations with Russia.
The corvette "Soobrazitielnyj", part of the Baltic Fleet, was built in St. Petersburg and entered service in 2011. It is designed for patrol missions but can also conduct air defence and anti-submarine warfare operations.
