The majority of Russian units in the Mediterranean left the port of Tartus this week to take part in the “Okean” exercise that Russia is conducting in various seas around the world. In the Mediterranean, the exercise took place in the waters between Syria and Cyprus. The frigates Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Grigorovich, the corvette Merkury, and the submarine Ufa departed from the Syrian port of Tartus.
In videos released by the Russian Ministry of Defense, Kamov Ka-52 helicopers, Sukhoi SU-24 fighter-bombers and Ilyushin Il-38N maritime patrol aircraft, which are based in Latakia, Syria, were also seen participating in the exercise. The submarine Novorossiysk did not participate in the exercises, as it is currently believed to be in the central Mediterranean, en route to Syria. As observed earlier this week, NATO forces, particularly US Navy aircraft, closely monitored Russian naval operations.
It should be noted that in recent months, the Russian Mediterranean fleet has significantly diminished both in numbers and capabilities, and for almost two years now, its activities have been limited to the eastern Mediterranean, with very few deployments to other parts of the region, mostly for courtesy visits to “friendly” ports.