Where are you, Varyag?

Approximately two months have passed since the cruiser Varyag entered the Mediterranean, followed a few days later by the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov. Nearly two months later, the two vessels appear to have limited their activities to a few cruises in the eastern Mediterranean or little more, with no information leaked about their operations.

The Russian Ministry of Defense, usually eager to publicize the activities of its ships, has not released any statements, and the cruiser Varyag does not appear to be in the port of Tartus (where the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov is anchored). We also know that the frigate Admiral Grigorovich is not in Tartus, and it is not out of the question that it is on a mission together with the cruiser Varyag.

We know that both the Varyag and the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov will leave the Mediterranean for South America, but the date is unknown and, at the moment, their departure does not seem imminent.

The Varyag

The cruiser Varyag, a prominent vessel of the Russian Navy, is a Slava-class guided missile cruiser. This class of ships is known for their substantial firepower and advanced systems. Varyag was commissioned in 1989, initially bearing the name Chervona Ukraina, but was renamed after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, honoring the famous cruiser from the early 20th century.

Varyag is a large warship, displacing around 12,500 tons when fully loaded and measuring over 186 meters in length. It’s equipped with a combined gas turbine propulsion system, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 32 knots. The ship can travel 7,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 18 knots, showcasing its capability for long-range deployments.

The Varyag is heavily armed with an array of missiles and guns. It carries 16 P-500 Bazalt anti-ship missiles, 64 S-300F long-range surface-to-air missiles, and 40 4K33 Osa-M short-range surface-to-air missiles. Additionally, it features a twin 130 mm naval gun, several close-in weapon systems, anti-submarine rocket launchers, and torpedo tubes.

For detecting and engaging targets, Varyag is outfitted with sophisticated radar and sonar systems, including various types of radar for air and surface search and tracking, as well as hull-mounted and variable-depth sonar systems. It also supports one Ka-27 anti-submarine helicopter, enhancing its operational versatility.