{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}} {{infobox military unit | unit_name = Permanent task force of the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean Sea | image = Middle Emblem of the Russian Navy.svg | caption = | dates = 2013–present<ref name="function">{{Cite web|url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12096837@egNews|title=Три года назад было сформировано оперативное командование постоянного оперативного соединения ВМФ России в Средиземном море : Министерство обороны Российской Федерации|website=function.mil.ru|access-date=7 December 2021|archive-date=19 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919023643/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12096837@egNews|url-status=live}}</ref> | country = {{flag|Russia}} | allegiance = {{armed forces|Russia}} | branch = {{navy|Russia}} | type = | role = Naval warfare<br />Amphibious warfare<br />Naval presence/diplomacy | size = up to 15 warships at times prior to 2024; significantly fewer in 2025/26 | command_structure = | garrison = Sevastopol{{citation needed (lead)|date=October 2025}}<!-- per refname navalnews20251015, it appears that the submarine fleet and support vessels can no longer transit the Bosporus to get to Sevastopol, due to Turkey restrictions during the Russo-Ukraine War --><br />Severomorsk | garrison_label = Headquarters | nickname = | patron = | motto = | colors = | colors_label = | march = | mascot = | equipment = | equipment_label = | battles = Syrian Civil War (Russian intervention) | anniversaries = | decorations = | battle_honours = | disbanded = | flying_hours = | website = <!-- Commanders --> | commander1 = Captain 1st rank Pavel Prosekov (interim){{cn|date=October 2025}} | commander1_label = | commander2 = | commander2_label = | commander3 = | commander3_label = | notable_commanders = <!-- Insignia --> | identification_symbol = | identification_symbol_label = | identification_symbol_2 = | identification_symbol_2_label = }}
The '''permanent task force of the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean Sea''' ({{langx|ru|Постоянное оперативное соединение Военно-морского флота Российской Федерации в Средиземном море}}) is a task force of the Russian Navy responsible for projecting Russian power in the Middle East through the Mediterranean Sea.
The Soviet Navy's 5th Operational Squadron had fulfilled a similar role from its formation in 1967 to its deactivation on 31 December 1992.<ref>Дубягин, П. Р. На Средиземноморской эскадре. – М.: Андреевский флаг, 2006. – 344 с. – {{ISBN|5-9553-0053-8}}, 337.</ref> The present permanent task force was established in 2013.<ref>[http://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12124338@egNews Operational formation of the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean Sea will receive the Smetlivy guard ship of the Black Sea Fleet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001215052/http://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12124338@egNews |date=1 October 2017 }} Russian MoD, 22 May 2017.</ref>
In September 2013, the Russian Ministry of Defence re-established a fleet in the Mediterranean using a combination of ships from the Black Sea Fleet and Northern Fleet stationed in Syria.<ref name="function" /> Historically, it has comprised up to 15 warships and auxiliary vessels<ref>[https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20170601/1495568751.html Число кораблей ВМФ России в Средиземном море увеличилось до 15] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001213459/https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20170601/1495568751.html |date=1 October 2017 }} RIA Novosti, 1 June 2017.</ref> with vessels from the Baltic Fleet also providing contingents for operations in the region.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/defense/1243061|title=Russian naval detachment calls at Syria's Tartus - press service|access-date=9 January 2021|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109202018/https://tass.com/defense/1243061|url-status=live}}</ref> However, with the loss of regular use of Russian naval facilities in Syria, during 2025, these numbers were significantly lower by early 2026.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lone Russian Corvette Flies the St. Andrew’s Flag in the Med |url=https://maritime-executive.com/article/lone-russian-corvette-flies-the-st-andrew-s-flag-in-the-med |work=The Maritime Executive |date=5 April 2026 |access-date=7 April 2026 }}</ref>
==Historic Deployments== Between December 2007–February 2008, the Russian Navy made the first large deployment to the Mediterranean Sea in 15 years. The task force included Northern Fleet's aircraft carrier {{ship|Russian aircraft carrier|Admiral Kuznetsov||2}}, destroyers {{ship|Russian destroyer|Admiral Levchenko||2}} and {{ship|Russian destroyer|Admiral Chabanenko||2}} and Black Sea Fleet's cruiser {{ship|Russian cruiser|Moskva||2}}. Vice-Admiral Nikolai Maksimov, the Northern Fleet commander, said during the operations that "After this visit to the Mediterranean and France, the first in 15 years, we will establish a constant presence in the region".<ref>{{cite web|first=David |last=Eshel|url=https://defense-update.com/20071209_russian-naval-build-up.html|title=Russian Mediterranean Naval Build-Up Challenges NATO Sixth Fleet Domination|website=defense-update.com|date=9 December 2007|accessdate=8 March 2023}}</ref>
In 2013, the Russian naval presence in the Mediterranean Sea was formed by Black Sea Fleet's cruiser ''Moskva'' (5 July<ref name="moskva13">{{cite web |url=https://stat.mil.ru/et/news/more.htm?id=11797231@egNews |title=Флагман Черноморского флота гвардейский ракетный крейсер "Москва" вышел в Средиземное море |website=mil.ru |date=5 July 2013 |access-date=11 July 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711115756/https://stat.mil.ru/et/news/more.htm?id=11797231@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>–12 July<ref name="moskva13"/>) and Northern Fleet's destroyers {{ship|Russian destroyer|Vice-Admiral Kulakov||2}} (4 June<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sdelanounas.ru/blogs/34128/ |title=БПК "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" идёт в Средиземное море |website=sdelanounas.ru |date=1 June 2013 |access-date=11 July 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711115755/https://sdelanounas.ru/blogs/34128/ |url-status=live }}</ref>–17 July<ref>{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11805699@egNews |title=В Атлантическом океане сформирован межфлотский отряд боевых кораблей ВМФ России |website=mil.ru |date=17 July 2013 |access-date=11 July 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711115800/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11805699@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>) and {{ship|Russian destroyer|Severomorsk||2}} (January–June).
With the start of the military operation of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria on 30 September 2015, the formation took part in this operation, covering the airborne forces of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria and the Khmeimim Air Base at which it is deployed. The main objective of the formation was to ensure the activities of the Russian troops in Syria. Presently, it continues to facilitate and replenish Russian forces stationed there and also help out with any search and rescue operations in its area of responsibility.
===2013=== In September 2013, the permanent task force was formed. It was temporarily strengthened by ''Moskva'' (11 September<ref>{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11837109@egNews |title=Гвардейский ракетный крейсер Черноморского флота "Москва" вошел в Средиземное море |website=mil.ru |date=11 September 2013 |access-date=11 July 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711115758/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11837109@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>–18 November), Northern Fleet's heavy cruiser {{ship|Russian battlecruiser|Pyotr Velikiy||2}} (2 November<ref name="med"/>–8 May 2014<ref name="kuznetsov"/>) and Pacific Fleet's cruiser ''Varyag'' (2 November<ref name="varyag">{{cite web |url=https://www.interfax.ru/russia/338556 |title="Варяг" дошел до Средиземного моря |website=interfax.ru |date=2 November 2013 |access-date=10 July 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711115754/https://www.interfax.ru/russia/338556 |url-status=live }}</ref>–unknown) and destroyer {{ship|Russian destroyer|Admiral Panteleyev||2}} (2 November<ref name="varyag"/>–November).
===2014=== In 2014, the task force was temporarily strengthened by Black Sea Fleet's cruiser ''Moskva'' (6 September<ref name="mos14"/>–18 January 2015<ref name="mos15"/>), Northern Fleet's aircraft carrier ''Admiral Kuznetsov'' (10 January<ref name="lev"/>–8 May<ref name="kuznetsov">{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/may/08/140508-russian-task-group |title=Royal Navy sails to meet Russian Task Group |website=royalnavy.mod.uk |date=8 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317102239/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/may/08/140508-russian-task-group |access-date=11 July 2021|archive-date=17 March 2018 }}</ref>), heavy cruiser ''Pyotr Velikiy'' (2 November 2013<ref name="med">{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11863920@egNews |title=Тяжелый атомный ракетный крейсер "Петр Великий" зашел в Средиземное море |website=mil.ru |date=2 November 2013 |access-date=11 July 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711115755/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11863920@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>–8 May 2014<ref name="kuznetsov"/>), destroyers ''Admiral Levchenko'' (10 January<ref name="lev">{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11888080@egNews |title=Корабельная авианосная группа Северного флота прошла пролив Ла-Манш |website=mil.ru |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=11 July 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711115802/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11888080@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>–30 June<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tv21.ru/news/2014/06/30/bpk-admiral-levchenko-sovershil-delovoy-zahod-v-ispanskiy-port-seuta |title=БПК "Адмирал Левченко" совершил деловой заход в испанский порт Сеута |website=tv21.ru |date=30 June 2014 |access-date=10 July 2021 |archive-date=10 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710115920/https://www.tv21.ru/news/2014/06/30/bpk-admiral-levchenko-sovershil-delovoy-zahod-v-ispanskiy-port-seuta |url-status=live }}</ref>), ''Vice-Admiral Kulakov'' (28 April<ref>{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11922540@egNews |title=БПК "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" совершил деловой заход в порт Сеута (Испания) |website=mil.ru |date=28 April 2014 |access-date=10 July 2021 |archive-date=10 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710115920/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11922540@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>–December) and ''Severomorsk'' (28 November<ref name="seve"/>–10 April 2015<ref name="seve15"/>) and Baltic Fleet's frigate {{ship|Russian ship|Yaroslav Mudry||2}} (August–16 February 2015<ref name="yaro">{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12008125@egNews |title=Сторожевой корабль Балтийского флота "Ярослав Мудрый" возвращается из дальнего похода |website=mil.ru |date=16 February 2014 |access-date=10 July 2021 |archive-date=10 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710115917/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12008125@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>).
===2015=== In 2015, the task force was temporarily strengthened by Black Sea Fleet's cruiser ''Moskva'' (6 September 2014<ref name="mos14">{{cite web|url=http://eurasian-defence.ru/?q=node%2F31674|title=ГРКР "МОСКВА" ВЫШЕЛ НА БОЕВУЮ СЛУЖБУ!|website=eurasian-defence.ru|date=9 September 2014|access-date=9 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184932/http://eurasian-defence.ru/?q=node%2F31674|url-status=live}}</ref>–18 January,<ref name="mos15">{{cite web|url=https://rg.ru/2015/01/18/reg-kfo/kreiser.html|title=Крейсер "Москва" вернулся в Севастополь из 135-дневного похода|website=rg.ru|date=18 January 2015|access-date=9 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709213358/https://rg.ru/2015/01/18/reg-kfo/kreiser.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 1 June<ref>{{cite web |url=https://flot.com/2015/%D0%A1%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B5%D0%9C%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B520/ |title=Крейсер "Москва" отправился в Средиземное море |website=flot.com |date=1 June 2015 |access-date=9 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190331/https://flot.com/2015/%D0%A1%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B5%D0%9C%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B520/ |url-status=live }}</ref>–18 August<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sc.mil.ru/social/health/news/more.htm?id=12051073@egNews |title=Флагман Черноморского флота ГРКР "Москва" вернулся в Севастополь из дальнего похода |website=mil.ru |date=18 August 2015 |access-date=9 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709191027/https://sc.mil.ru/social/health/news/more.htm?id=12051073@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref> and 25 September<ref name="mos"/>–9 January 2016<ref name="mos2"/>) and Northern Fleet's destroyers ''Severomorsk'' (28 November 2014<ref name="seve">{{cite web |url=https://ria.ru/20141128/1035581305.html |title=Корабли ВМФ России проведут учения в Ла-Манше |website=ria.ru |date=28 November 2014 |access-date=9 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709193538/https://ria.ru/20141128/1035581305.html |url-status=live }}</ref>–10 April 2015<ref name="seve15">{{cite web |url=https://sc.mil.ru/social/health/news/more.htm?id=12013938@egNews |title=Большой противолодочный корабль "Североморск" уходит из Средиземного моря |website=mil.ru |date=10 April 2015 |access-date=9 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190117/https://sc.mil.ru/social/health/news/more.htm?id=12013938@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>) and ''Vice-Admiral Kulakov'' (November–25 March 2016<ref name="vak">{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12081543@egNews |title=Большой противолодочный корабль "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" Северного флота зашел в Северное море |website=mil.ru |date=25 March 2015 |access-date=9 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190625/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12081543@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>) and Baltic Fleet's frigate ''Yaroslav Mudry'' (August 2014–16 February 2015<ref name="yaro"/>).
===2016=== In 2016, the task force was temporarily strengthened by Black Sea Fleet's cruiser ''Moskva'' (25 September 2015<ref name="mos">{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12058713@egNews |title=Гвардейский ракетный крейсер "Москва" Черноморского флота прибыл в состав постоянной группировки ВМФ России в Средиземном море |website=mil.ru |date=25 September 2015 |access-date=8 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190843/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12058713@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>–9 January 2016<ref name="mos2">{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12073514@egNews |title=Гвардейский ракетный крейсер "Москва" вернулся в Севастополь из Средиземного моря |website=mil.ru |date=9 January 2016 |access-date=8 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185957/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12073514@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>), Pacific Fleet's cruiser ''Varyag'' (3 January 2016<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/2569937 |title=Крейсер "Варяг" вышел в Средиземное море, где сменит у берегов Сирии крейсер "Москва" |website=tass.ru |date=3 January 2016 |access-date=8 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184843/https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/2569937 |url-status=live }}</ref>–spring), Baltic Fleet's frigate ''Yaroslav Mudry'' (11 June–9 October<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sdelanounas.ru/blogs/84513/ |title="Зелёный Дол» и "Серпухов" пришли на Мальту, а "Ярослав Мудрый" ушёл из Сеуты |website=sdelanounas.ru |date=9 October 2016 |access-date=8 July 2021 |archive-date=31 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231101436/https://sdelanounas.ru/blogs/84513/ |url-status=live }}</ref>) and Northern Fleet's aircraft carrier ''Admiral Kuznetsov'', heavy cruiser ''Pyotr Velikiy'' (both 26 October<ref name="kuz"/>–20 January 2017<ref name="return"/>) and destroyers ''Severomorsk'' (26 October<ref name="kuz"/>–24 May 2017<ref name="sev"/>) and ''Vice-Admiral Kulakov'' (November 2015–25 March 2016<ref name="vak"/> and 26 October<ref name="kuz"/>–6 December<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rg.ru/2016/12/06/korabl-vice-admiral-kulakov-voshel-v-la-mansh.html|title=Корабль "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" вошел в Ла-Манш|website=rg.ru|date=6 December 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709213352/https://rg.ru/2016/12/06/korabl-vice-admiral-kulakov-voshel-v-la-mansh.html|url-status=live}}</ref>).
The mainstay of the task force were Black Sea Fleet's frigates {{ship|Russian frigate|Ladny||2}} (5 May<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interfax.ru/russia/506990 |title=Сторожевой корабль ЧФ "Ладный" пополнит средиземноморскую группировку ВМФ |website=interfax.ru |date=5 May 2015 |access-date=8 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190328/https://www.interfax.ru/russia/506990 |url-status=live }}</ref>–10 June<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/3354799 |title=Сторожевой корабль "Ладный" вернулся в Севастополь из Средиземного моря |website=tass.ru |date=10 June 2016 |access-date=8 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185238/https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/3354799 |url-status=live }}</ref>), ''Pytlivy'' (25 May<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.allcrimea.net/news/2016/5/25/storozhevoi-korabl-chf-pytlivyi-vyshel-iz-sevastopolya-v-sredizemnoe-more-59173/|title=Сторожевой корабль ЧФ "Пытливый" вышел из Севастополя в Средиземное море|website=allcrimea.net|date=25 May 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184918/https://news.allcrimea.net/news/2016/5/25/storozhevoi-korabl-chf-pytlivyi-vyshel-iz-sevastopolya-v-sredizemnoe-more-59173/|url-status=live}}</ref>–1 July<ref name="pyt">{{cite web|url=https://riafan.ru/543772-rossiiskii-storozhevoi-korabl-pytlivyi-dobralsya-do-sredizemnogo-morya|title=Российский сторожевой корабль "Пытливый" добрался до Средиземного моря|website=riafan.ru|date=6 August 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185221/https://riafan.ru/543772-rossiiskii-storozhevoi-korabl-pytlivyi-dobralsya-do-sredizemnogo-morya|url-status=live}}</ref> and 6 August<ref name="pyt"/>–28 November<ref>{{cite web|url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12104912@egNews|title=Сторожевой корабль ЧФ "Пытливый" вернулся в Севастополь из дальнего похода|website=mil.ru|date=28 November 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185527/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12104912@egNews|url-status=live}}</ref>) and ''Admiral Grigorovich'' (May–9 June<ref>{{cite web|url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12087043@egNews|title=Новейший фрегат Черноморского флота "Адмирал Григорович" прибыл в Севастополь|website=mil.ru|date=10 June 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190523/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12087043@egNews|url-status=live}}</ref> and 24 September<ref>{{cite web|url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12097007@egNews|title=Фрегат ЧФ "Адмирал Григорович" примет участие в Днях памяти адмирала Федора Ушакова в Греции|website=mil.ru|date=24 September 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190508/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12097007@egNews|url-status=live}}</ref>–6 October<ref>{{cite web|url=https://flot.com/2016/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%B418/|title=Новейший фрегат "Адмирал Григорович" возвращается в Севастополь|website=flot.com|date=4 October 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190431/https://flot.com/2016/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%B418/|url-status=live}}</ref>) as well as destroyer {{ship|Russian destroyer|Smetlivy||2}} (7 March<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2932233|title=Сторожевой корабль "Сметливый" направился в Средиземное море|website=kommersant.ru|date=6 March 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184534/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2932233|url-status=live}}</ref>–9 June and 25 October<ref>{{cite web|url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12101218@egNews|title=СКР Черноморского флота "Сметливый" взял курс на греческий порт Пирей для участия в мероприятиях Года России в Греции|website=mil.ru|date=25 October 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184917/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12101218@egNews|url-status=live}}</ref>–5 March 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gazetacrimea.ru/news/v-sevastopol-iz-sirii-vernylsya-storojevik-smetlivii-25378/|title=В Севастополь из Сирии вернулся сторожевик "Сметливый" (ФОТО)|website=gazetacrimea.ru|date=6 March 2017|access-date=8 July 2021}}{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>).
Between October 2016–January 2017, the Russian Navy intervened in the Syrian Civil War during the Battle of Aleppo deploying a carrier strike group centered around the Northern Fleet's aircraft carrier ''Admiral Kuznetsov'', which included heavy cruiser ''Pyotr Velikiy'', destroyers ''Severomorsk'' and ''Vice-Admiral Kulakov'' and likely a nuclear submarine. The ''Admiral Kuznetsov'''s airwing, composed of 6-8 Su-33s and 4 MiG-29Ks flew missions in Syria. A Su-33 and a MiG-29K were lost due to malfunctions of the arresting wires, with pilots being safely rescued.
===2017=== In 2017, the task force was temporarily strengthened by Northern Fleet's aircraft carrier ''Admiral Kuznetsov'', heavy cruiser ''Pyotr Velikiy'' (both 26 October 2016<ref name="kuz">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/26/spain-russian-warships-refuel-aleppo-bombing-ceuta-syria |title=Anger as Spain prepares to let Russian warships refuel on way back to Aleppo bombing |work=The Guardian |date=26 October 2016 |access-date=6 March 2021 |archive-date=1 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601083610/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/26/spain-russian-warships-refuel-aleppo-bombing-ceuta-syria |url-status=live }}</ref>–20 January 2017<ref name="return">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-38748941 |title=UK warship escorts Russian carrier in English Channel |date=25 January 2017 |website=BBC News |access-date=25 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126144833/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38748941 |archive-date=26 January 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>) and destroyers ''Severomorsk'' (26 October 2016<ref name="kuz"/>–24 May 2017<ref name="sev">{{cite web |url=https://www.mvestnik.ru/newslent/bolshoj-protivolodochnyj-korabl-severomorsk-zavershil-delovoj-zahod-v-lissabon |title=Большой противолодочный корабль "Североморск" завершил деловой заход в Лиссабон |website=mvestnik.ru |date=27 May 2017 |access-date=7 July 2021 |archive-date=11 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011110936/https://www.mvestnik.ru/newslent/bolshoj-protivolodochnyj-korabl-severomorsk-zavershil-delovoj-zahod-v-lissabon/ |url-status=live }}</ref>) and ''Vice-Admiral Kulakov'' (8 August<ref>{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12137028@egNews |title=Большой противолодочный корабль СФ "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" преодолел Ла-Манш и вошел в Бискайский залив |website=mil.ru |date=8 August 2017 |access-date=7 July 2021 |archive-date=2 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002220728/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12137028@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>–4 November<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mil.ru/fea/news/more.htm?id=12149746@egNews |title=Большой противолодочный корабль "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" завершил деловой заход в Португалию и продолжил дальний поход |website=mil.ru |date=7 November 2017 |access-date=7 July 2021 |archive-date=5 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005050649/https://mil.ru/fea/news/more.htm?id=12149746@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>), as well as Baltic Fleet's corvettes {{ship|Russian corvette|Soobrazitelny||2}} and {{ship|Russian corvette|Boikiy||2}} (29 October<ref>{{cite web |url=https://iz.ru/664648/ilia-kramnik/doroga-vikingov |title=Дорога викингов |website=iz.ru |date=30 October 2017 |access-date=7 July 2021 |archive-date=5 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005015017/https://iz.ru/664648/ilia-kramnik/doroga-vikingov |url-status=live }}</ref>–December).
===2018=== In 2018, the task force was temporarily strengthened by Northern Fleet's cruiser {{ship|Russian cruiser|Marshal Ustinov||2}} (11 August–12 November<ref>{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12205276@egNews |title=Отряд боевых кораблей и судов обеспечения СФ выполнил задачи дальнего похода и прибыл в Североморск |website=mil.ru |date=23 November 2018 |access-date=6 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183436/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12205276@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>) and destroyer ''Severomorsk'' (11 August<ref name="sever">{{cite web |url=https://www.rbc.ru/politics/11/08/2018/5b6eae9c9a794766c7e9160d |title=В Средиземное море зашел вернувшийся в строй российский ракетный крейсер |website=rbc.ru |date=11 August 2018 |access-date=6 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183043/https://www.rbc.ru/politics/11/08/2018/5b6eae9c9a794766c7e9160d |url-status=live }}</ref>–3 May 2019<ref name="sever2">{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12229161@egNews |title=Большой противолодочный корабль "Североморск" вышел в Атлантику |website=mil.ru |date=3 May 2019 |access-date=6 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185630/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12229161@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>) as well as Baltic Fleet's frigate ''Yaroslav Mudry'' (26 April<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interfax.ru/russia/610299 |title=Сторожевой корабль и танкер пополнили эскадру РФ в Средиземноморье |website=interfax.ru |date=26 April 2018 |access-date=7 July 2021 |archive-date=18 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718074841/https://www.interfax.ru/russia/610299 |url-status=live }}</ref>–October).
Between 1–8 September, the largest Russian post-Cold war naval exercise in the Mediterranean Sea was conducted. Dubbed Ocean shield, it was the first iteration of Ocean shield exercises, which were in the next two years held in the Baltic Sea. 26 ships, 2 submarines and 34 aircraft were included.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kp.ru/daily/26903.7/3948110/|title=Shoigu: "Ocean Shield" exercise in Mediterranean will become permanent/|website=kp.ru|date=2 November 2018|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712125856/https://www.kp.ru/daily/26903.7/3948110/|url-status=live}}</ref> Among participants were cruiser ''Marshal Ustinov'', destroyers ''Smetlivy'' and ''Severomorsk'', frigates ''Admiral Grigorovich'', ''Admiral Essen'', ''Admiral Makarov'', ''Pytlivy'' and ''Yaroslav Mudry'', corvettes ''Vishny Volochyok'', ''Grad Sviyazhsk'' and ''Veliky Ustyug'' and conventional submarines ''Kolpino'' and ''Velikiy Novgorod''.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://rg.ru/2018/12/03/reg-ufo/chernomorskij-flot-poluchit-18-novyh-korablej.html|title=Черноморский флот получит 18 новых кораблей|website=rg.ru|date=3 December 2018|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712131730/https://rg.ru/2018/12/03/reg-ufo/chernomorskij-flot-poluchit-18-novyh-korablej.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Aircraft present included Tu-160 bombers, Tu-142 and Il-38 anti-submarine aircraft and Su-33 and MiG-29K maritime fighters. This was the largest Russian naval exercise in the Mediterranean Sea of the post-Cold War era and the largest Russian post-Cold War naval exercise in the far sea zone. In terms of distant location and number of capital ships participating it's comparable only to June 2021 exercises of the Pacific Fleet off the Hawaii islands.<ref name="auto"/>
===2019=== In 2019, the task force was temporarily strengthened by Northern Fleet's cruiser ''Marshal Ustinov'' (22 August<ref>{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12248793@egNews |title=Крейсер "Маршал Устинов" вошёл в Средиземное море |website=mil.ru |date=22 August 2019 |access-date=5 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184250/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12248793@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>–30 October and 18 December<ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-naval-ship-enters-mediterranean-waters/ |title=Russian naval ship enters Mediterranean waters |work=AMN |date=18 December 2019 |access-date=8 January 2020 |archive-date=22 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222163943/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-naval-ship-enters-mediterranean-waters/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>–28 January 2020<ref name=":2">{{cite web |url=https://rg.ru/2020/01/28/rossijskij-flot-provel-rotaciiu-korablej-v-sredizemnom-more.html |title="Адмирал Эссен" на хвосте у "Флориды" |website=rg.ru |date=28 January 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709203250/https://rg.ru/2020/01/28/rossijskij-flot-provel-rotaciiu-korablej-v-sredizemnom-more.html |url-status=live }}</ref>), destroyers ''Vice-Admiral Kulakov'' (December 2019–January 2020) and ''Severomorsk'' (11 August 2018<ref name="sever"/>–3 May 2019<ref name="sever2"/>) and frigate {{ship|Russian frigate|Admiral Gorshkov||2}} (10<ref>{{cite web |url=https://rg.ru/2019/03/10/reg-szfo/fregat-admiral-gorshkov-s-raketami-kalibr-vyshel-v-atlantiku.html |title=Фрегат "Адмирал Горшков" с ракетами "Калибр" вышел в Атлантику |website=rg.ru |date=10 March 2019 |access-date=5 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709215300/https://rg.ru/2019/03/10/reg-szfo/fregat-admiral-gorshkov-s-raketami-kalibr-vyshel-v-atlantiku.html |url-status=live }}</ref>–20 March<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sdelanounas.ru/blogs/118307/ |title=Фрегат "Адмирал Горшков" идёт в Китай |website=sdelanounas.ru |date=20 March 2019 |access-date=5 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183134/https://sdelanounas.ru/blogs/118307/ |url-status=live }}</ref>).
===2020=== In 2020, the task force was temporarily strengthened by Northern Fleet's cruiser ''Marshal Ustinov'' (18 December 2019<ref name=":1" />–28 January 2020<ref name=":2" />) and destroyer ''Vice-Admiral Kulakov'' (December 2019–January 2020 and 6 August<ref>{{cite web |url=https://structure.mil.ru/structure/forces/navy/news/more.htm?id=12305799@egNews |title=БПК "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" отработал поиск подводных лодок в Бискайском заливе |website=mil.ru |date=6 August 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190330/https://structure.mil.ru/structure/forces/navy/news/more.htm?id=12305799@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>–8 November<ref>{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12323516@egNews |title=БПК "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" вышел в Атлантику |website=mil.ru |date=8 November 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183152/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12323516@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>), as well as Baltic Fleet's frigate ''Yaroslav Mudry'' (March–April).
The mainstay of the Squadron were Black Sea Fleet's frigates ''Admiral Grigorovich'' (28 February<ref name="2020grigf">{{Cite news |url=https://sudostroenie.info/novosti/29525.html |title=Фрегаты "Адмирал Макаров" и "Адмирал Григорович" направились в Средиземное море |date=28 February 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190341/https://sudostroenie.info/novosti/29525.html |url-status=live }}</ref>–26 June<ref>{{cite web |url=https://rg.ru/2020/06/26/reg-ufo/fregat-chf-admiral-grigorovich-nachal-vozvrashchenie-v-sevastopol.html |title=Фрегат ЧФ "Адмирал Григорович" начал возвращение в Севастополь |website=rg.ru |date=26 June 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709191727/https://rg.ru/2020/06/26/reg-ufo/fregat-chf-admiral-grigorovich-nachal-vozvrashchenie-v-sevastopol.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and 29 December 2020<ref name="2020grig">{{Cite news |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12332502@egNews |title=Отряд кораблей Балтийского флота зашел в Средиземное море |date=29 December 2020 |access-date=26 June 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=25 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625143146/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12332502@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>–8 May 2021<ref name="grig2">{{Cite news |url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/05/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk192021.html |title=Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk19/2021 |date=16 May 2021 |access-date=26 June 2021 |language=en |archive-date=12 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712015000/https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/05/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk192021.html |url-status=live }}</ref>), ''Admiral Essen'' (21 December 2019<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://iz.ru/956886/2019-12-21/fregat-admiral-essen-napravilsia-k-beregam-sirii-s-kalibrami|title=Фрегат "Адмирал Эссен" направился к берегам Сирии с «Калибрами"|date=21 December 2019|access-date=6 July 2021|language=ru|archive-date=11 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711072417/https://iz.ru/956886/2019-12-21/fregat-admiral-essen-napravilsia-k-beregam-sirii-s-kalibrami|url-status=live}}</ref>–11 April<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://regnum.ru/news/society/2913513.html |title=Фрегаты "Адмирал Макаров" и "Адмирал Эссен" пришли в Севастополь |date=11 April 2020 |access-date=6 July 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=12 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712015002/https://regnum.ru/news/society/2913513.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and 29 September<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://tvzvezda.ru/news/20209291225-nUOWl.html |title=Фрегат "Адмирал Эссен" взял курс на Средиземное море |date=29 September 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=12 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712014959/https://tvzvezda.ru/news/20209291225-nUOWl.html |url-status=live }}</ref>–28 December<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://portnews.ru/news/306951/ |title=Фрегат "Адмирал Эссен" прошёл пролив Босфор и зашёл в Чёрное море |date=28 December 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=12 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712015001/https://portnews.ru/news/306951/ |url-status=live }}</ref>) and ''Admiral Makarov'' (28 February<ref name="2020grigf"/>–11 April<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://regnum.ru/news/2913513.html |title=Фрегаты "Адмирал Макаров" и "Адмирал Эссен" пришли в Севастополь |date=11 April 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=12 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712014959/https://regnum.ru/news/2913513.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and 24 June<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://iz.ru/1027535/2020-06-24/fregat-admiral-makarov-voidet-v-sostav-vmf-v-sredizemnom-more |title=Фрегат "Адмирал Макаров" усилит группировку ВМФ в Средиземном море |date=24 June 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711105517/https://iz.ru/1027535/2020-06-24/fregat-admiral-makarov-voidet-v-sostav-vmf-v-sredizemnom-more |url-status=live }}</ref>–19 October<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://vesti92.ru/news/flot/fregat-admiral-makarov-vozvraschaetsya-iz-sredizem/ |title=Фрегат "Адмирал Макаров" возвращается из Средиземного моря в Севастополь |date=19 October 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=12 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712015001/https://vesti92.ru/news/flot/fregat-admiral-makarov-vozvraschaetsya-iz-sredizem/ |url-status=live }}</ref>).
Naval units were supported by aircraft operating from the Khmeimim Air Base in Syria. Units deployed included ''Tu-22M3 Backfire'' bombers as well as Su-24s, Su-35s, MiG-31s and Tu-142MK and Il-38 anti-submarine warfare aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40777/russian-tu-22m3-backfire-bombers-based-in-syria-are-going-to-patrol-the-mediterranean|title=Russian Tu-22M3 Backfire Bombers Based In Syria Are Going To Patrol The Mediterranean|first=Thomas|last=Newdick|website=The Drive|date=25 May 2021|access-date=24 June 2021|archive-date=31 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531042734/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40777/russian-tu-22m3-backfire-bombers-based-in-syria-are-going-to-patrol-the-mediterranean|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/defense/1294579|title=Russia's Tu-22M3 bombers perform flight over Mediterranean from Hmeymim airbase in Syria|access-date=24 June 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624211202/https://tass.com/defense/1294579|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wdrb.com/russian-su-24-bomber-lands-at-hemeimeem-air-base-in-syria/image_873cfbd6-d443-11eb-a29b-77902b1b77b2.html|title=Russian Su-24 bomber lands at Hemeimeem air base in Syria|website=WDRB|date=23 June 2021 |access-date=24 June 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624205908/https://www.wdrb.com/russian-su-24-bomber-lands-at-hemeimeem-air-base-in-syria/image_873cfbd6-d443-11eb-a29b-77902b1b77b2.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/defense/1307151|title=Russian naval ships, aircraft kick off drills in Mediterranean|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625105223/https://tass.com/defense/1307151|url-status=live}}</ref>
===2021=== In 2021, the task force was temporarily strengthened by Baltic Fleet's corvette {{ship|Russian corvette|Stoikiy||2}} (29 December 2020<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12332502@egNews|title=Отряд кораблей Балтийского флота зашел в Средиземное море|date=29 December 2020|access-date=26 June 2021|language=ru|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625143146/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12332502@egNews|url-status=live}}</ref>–19 April 2021<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://flot.com/2021/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%B414/ |title=Отряд корвета "Стойкий" миновал Гибралтарский пролив и вышел в Атлантику |date=19 April 2021 |access-date=26 June 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516192313/https://flot.com/2021/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%B414/ |url-status=live }}</ref>), Northern Fleet's frigate ''Admiral Kasatonov'' (14 January<ref>{{Cite tweet |last=Parody |first=David |user=dparody |number=1349655299607715840 |date=14 January 2021 |title=Russian Navy busy this week through the Strait of Gibraltar...}}</ref>–1 April<ref>{{cite news |title=The frigate Admiral Kasatonov went to the Atlantic |date=1 April 2021 |publisher=TASS |url=https://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12352082@egNews |access-date=25 June 2021 |archive-date=25 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625152821/https://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12352082@egNews |url-status=live }}</ref>) and destroyer ''Vice-Admiral Kulakov'' (18 August<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12377966@egNews|title=Большой противолодочный корабль "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" вошёл в Средиземное море : Министерство обороны Российской Федерации|website=function.mil.ru|access-date=25 September 2021|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925215425/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12377966@egNews|url-status=live}}</ref>–23 September<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/09/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk382021.html|title=Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk38/2021|access-date=25 September 2021|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925215424/https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/09/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk382021.html|url-status=live}}</ref>) and Black Sea Fleet's cruiser ''Moskva'' (18 June<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |url=https://flot.com/2021/%D0%A7%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%A4%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%8236/ |title=Крейсер "Москва" и фрегат "Адмирал Эссен" направились в Средиземное море |date=18 June 2021 |access-date=19 June 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203338/https://flot.com/2021/%D0%A7%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%A4%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%8236/ |url-status=live }}</ref>–5 July<ref name="moskva">{{Cite news|url=https://www.militarynews.ru/story.asp?rid=0&nid=552728&lang=RU|title=Группировка российских кораблей в Черном море усиливается на фоне учений Sea Breeze|date=5 July 2021|access-date=5 July 2021|language=ru|archive-date=5 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705100028/https://www.militarynews.ru/story.asp?rid=0&nid=552728&lang=RU|url-status=live}}</ref>). In the summer, corvette ''Gremyashchiy'' and submarines ''Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky'' and ''Volkhov'' transited the Mediterranean Sea on their way from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
The mainstay of the Squadron were Black Sea Fleet's frigates ''Admiral Grigorovich'' (24 December 2020<ref name="2020grig"/>–8 May 2021<ref name="grig2"/> and 28 October<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/10/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk432021.html|title=Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk43/2021|access-date=23 November 2021|archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123195159/https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/10/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk432021.html|url-status=live}}</ref>–), ''Admiral Makarov'' (2 May<ref>{{cite news |title=В Средиземное море вошел фрегат ВМФ РФ "Адмирал Макаров" |date=2 May 2021 |publisher=intefax.ru |url=https://www.interfax.ru/world/764386 |access-date=26 June 2021 |archive-date=26 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626045719/https://www.interfax.ru/world/764386 |url-status=live }}</ref>–13 August<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/08/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk322021.html|title=Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk32/2021|access-date=12 October 2021|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027182510/https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/08/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk322021.html|url-status=live}}</ref>) and ''Admiral Essen'' (18 June<ref name=":3" />–5 July<ref name="moskva"/> and 7 August<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/12080497|title=Фрегат Черноморского флота направили в Средиземноморье|date=7 August 2021|access-date=12 October 2021|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027183437/https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/12080497|url-status=live}}</ref>–30 October<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://flot.com/2021/%CF%EE%F5%EE%E435/|title=В Севастополе встретят фрегат "Адмирал Эссен" после миссии в Средиземном море|website=Центральный Военно-Морской Портал|access-date=7 December 2021|archive-date=11 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011110849/https://flot.com/2021/%CF%EE%F5%EE%E435/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/12807739|title=Фрегат "Адмирал Эссен" ЧФ возвращается из Средиземного моря в Севастополь|access-date=1 November 2021|archive-date=1 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101140656/https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/12807739|url-status=live}}</ref>).
On 25 May 2021, three Tu-22Ms maritime bombers were deployed to the Khmeymim airbase in Syria for the first time.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tu-22M3 bombers' presence in Syria aims to stabilize situation, says Russian lawmaker |date=25 May 2021 |publisher=TASS |url=https://tass.com/defense/1293717 |access-date=26 May 2021 |archive-date=26 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526070059/https://tass.com/defense/1293717 |url-status=live }}</ref> The deployment took place after a significant boost in NATO amphibious capability in the Mediterranean earlier in 2021. French aircraft carrier ''Charles de Gaulle'' has left Toulon for a deployment in the Persian Gulf via the eastern Mediterranean in mid-February.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.varmatin.com/vie-locale/le-porte-avions-charles-de-gaulle-va-appareiller-de-toulon-a-la-mi-fevrier-640612|title=Le porte-avions Charles-de-Gaulle va appareiller de Toulon à la mi-février|date=4 February 2021|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=4 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004153821/https://www.varmatin.com/vie-locale/le-porte-avions-charles-de-gaulle-va-appareiller-de-toulon-a-la-mi-fevrier-640612|url-status=live}}</ref> American aircraft carrier USS ''Dwight D. Eisenhower'' conducted an exercise with the French helicopter carrier ''Tonerre'' off Greece in March<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/depart-de-la-12eme-mission-jeanne-darc|title = Départ de la 12ème mission Jeanne d'Arc|date = 19 February 2021|access-date = 25 June 2021|archive-date = 26 May 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210526092743/https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/depart-de-la-12eme-mission-jeanne-darc|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.c6f.navy.mil/Press-Room/News/News-Display/Article/2534214/uss-dwight-d-eisenhower-conducts-interoperability-exercise-with-hellenic-armed/|title=USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Conducts Interoperability Exercise with Hellenic Armed Forces|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=23 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723222935/https://www.c6f.navy.mil/Press-Room/News/News-Display/Article/2534214/uss-dwight-d-eisenhower-conducts-interoperability-exercise-with-hellenic-armed/|url-status=live}}</ref> and, in May, British aircraft carrier HMS ''Queen Elizabeth'' embarked on a maiden voyage to the Indian Ocean via the Mediterranean, where it will hold exercises with ''Charles de Gaulle''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2021/april/26/210426-csg21-deployment|title=Carrier Strike Group deployment to visit 40 countries|website=www.royalnavy.mod.uk|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429125922/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2021/april/26/210426-csg21-deployment|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 25 June 2021, two anti-ship interceptors MiG-31K, armed with Kinzhal missiles were deployed to Khmeymim airbase for the first time<ref>{{cite news |title=Россия впервые перебросила в Сирию носители гиперзвуковых ракет МиГ-31К |date=25 June 2021 |publisher=ria.ru |url=https://ria.ru/20210625/mig-31k-1738528143.html |access-date=25 June 2021 |archive-date=25 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625024217/https://ria.ru/20210625/mig-31k-1738528143.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and fired Kinzhal in an exercise the same day.<ref>{{cite news|title=Истребители с ракетами "Кинжал" поразили "противника" в Средиземном море|date=25 May 2021|publisher=ria.ru|url=https://ria.ru/20210625/kinzhal-1738596388.html|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625111817/https://ria.ru/20210625/kinzhal-1738596388.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://avia.pro/news/istrebitel-mig-31k-nanyos-udar-giperzvukovoy-raketoy-kinzhal-po-neizvestnoy-celi-v-sirii|title=Истребитель МиГ-31К нанёс удар гиперзвуковой ракетой "Кинжал" по неизвестной цели в Сирии|website=avia.pro|date=29 June 2021|access-date=2 July 2021|language=ru|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182427/https://avia.pro/news/istrebitel-mig-31k-nanyos-udar-giperzvukovoy-raketoy-kinzhal-po-neizvestnoy-celi-v-sirii|url-status=live}}</ref> They participated in a large-scale anti-ship exercise, which included cruiser ''Moskva'', frigates ''Admiral Essen'' and ''Admiral Makarov'' and submarines ''Stary Oskol'' and ''Rostov-on-Don'', three bombers Tu-22M3, as well as anti-submarine aircraft Il-38 and Tu-142.<ref>{{cite news|title=Russian naval ships, aircraft kick off drills in Mediterranean|date=25 June 2021|publisher=tass.com|url=https://tass.com/defense/1307151|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625090128/https://tass.com/defense/1307151|url-status=live}}</ref>
The newest air defence system S-500 was reportedly tested at Khmeymim airbase and obtained a lock on a F-35 fighter from the HMS ''Queen Elizabeth''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://avia.pro/news/neizvestnaya-sistema-pvo-razmeshchyonnaya-na-aviabaze-hmeymim-perepugala-nato|title=Неизвестная система ПВО, размещённая на авиабазе "Хмеймим", перепугала НАТО|date=1 July 2021|access-date=2 July 2021|website=avia.pro|language=ru|archive-date=2 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702051845/https://avia.pro/news/neizvestnaya-sistema-pvo-razmeshchyonnaya-na-aviabaze-hmeymim-perepugala-nato|url-status=live}}</ref> The exercise included rocket fire 30 km away from the HMS ''Queen Elizabeth''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://frontierindia.com/russia-to-conduct-rocket-fire-30-km-away-from-the-british-aircraft-carrier/|title=Russia to conduct rocket fire 30 km away from the British aircraft carrier|date=26 June 2021|access-date=2 July 2021|website=frontierindia.com|language=en|archive-date=26 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626031346/https://frontierindia.com/russia-to-conduct-rocket-fire-30-km-away-from-the-british-aircraft-carrier/|url-status=live}}</ref> The exercise took place during the deployment of the British aircraft carrier HMS ''Queen Elizabeth'' to the Eastern Mediterranean and have coincided with aircraft carrier USS ''Dwight D. Eisenhower'' reentering the Mediterranean Sea after three months in the Indian Ocean through the Suez Canal on 1 July.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.usni.org/2021/07/06/carrier-uss-dwight-d-eisenhower-in-the-med-after-3-months-in-the-middle-east|title=Carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Med After 3 Months in the Middle East|date=6 July 2021|access-date=7 July 2021|website=usni.org|language=en|archive-date=7 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707031114/https://news.usni.org/2021/07/06/carrier-uss-dwight-d-eisenhower-in-the-med-after-3-months-in-the-middle-east|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 16 November, British aircraft carrier HMS ''Queen Elizabeth'' reentered the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-carrier-strike-group-transiting-suez-canal/|title=British Carrier Strike Group transiting Suez Canal|first=George|last=Allison|date=16 November 2021|access-date=23 November 2021|archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123200919/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-carrier-strike-group-transiting-suez-canal/|url-status=live}}</ref> Since the only Russian large surface combatant present in the area ''Admiral Grigorovich'' was in the western Mediterranean Sea, taking part in Russo-Algerian naval exercise between 16 and 17 November, it's unclear whether Russia sent any ship at all to shadow the aircraft carrier, except for the airplanes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haynes |first=Deborah |date=19 November 2021 |title=Russia paying 'close attention' to UK's flagship aircraft carrier after F-35 jet crashes into sea |url=https://news.sky.com/story/russian-aircraft-buzzed-royal-navy-aircraft-carrier-says-defence-minister-as-sea-search-continues-for-ditched-stealth-fighter-12472082 |website=Sky News |access-date=23 November 2021 |archive-date=23 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123200917/https://news.sky.com/story/russian-aircraft-buzzed-royal-navy-aircraft-carrier-says-defence-minister-as-sea-search-continues-for-ditched-stealth-fighter-12472082 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 23 November, ''Admiral Grigorovich'' was already reported off Tartus.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/11/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk472021.html|title=Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk47/2021|access-date=23 November 2021|archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123200916/https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/11/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk472021.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
===2022=== During 2022, known Russian naval forces deployed with the task force reportedly included:
* two Improved ''Kilo''-class submarines (''Novorossiysk (B-261)'' and ''Krasnodar (B-265)''); ''Novorossiysk'' redeployed to the Baltic for maintenance as of September 2022<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/archives/archives-naval-defense/naval-defense-2022/russian-submarine-novorossiysk-will-undergo-repairs-in-2023|title=Russian submarine Novorossiysk will undergo repairs in 2023|website=Navy Recognition|date=25 October 2022 }}</ref> * at least one Russian nuclear-powered submarine (later reported to be the Yasen-class submarine ''Severodvinsk'') entered the Mediterranean in August 2022<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/09/new-intelligence-russia-sends-nuclear-submarine-to-mediterranean/ | title=New Intelligence: Russia Sends Nuclear Submarine to Mediterranean | date=2 September 2022 | access-date=3 September 2022 | archive-date=3 September 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903125746/https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/09/new-intelligence-russia-sends-nuclear-submarine-to-mediterranean/ | url-status=live }}</ref> * two ''Slava''-class cruisers (''Varyag'' and ''Marshal Ustinov''; ''Marshal Ustinov'' was reported to have left the Mediterranean in August 2022, likely returning to her home base on the Kola Peninsula<ref>[https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1562459105427476481 Twitter] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912055651/https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1562459105427476481 |date=12 September 2022 }}</ref> while ''Varyag'' departed the Mediterranean in October via the Suez canal likely returning to the Pacific).<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blog-spot.com/2022/11/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk442022.html|title=Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk44/2022}}</ref> * two ''Udaloy''-class destroyers (''Admiral Tributs'' and ''Vice-Admiral Kulakov'' - ''Vice-Admiral Kulakov'' departed the Mediterranean, in company with ''Marshal Ustinov'', late August 2022<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thejournal.ie/russian-navy-cork-coast-british-navy-irish-defence-forces-5852924-Aug2022/ | title=Military operation underway off south coast as Russian missile cruisers transit through area | date=30 August 2022 | access-date=3 September 2022 | archive-date=1 September 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901135324/https://www.thejournal.ie/russian-navy-cork-coast-british-navy-irish-defence-forces-5852924-Aug2022/ | url-status=live }}</ref> while ''Admiral Tributs'' departed the Mediterranean in company with ''Varyag'' in October 2022)<ref name="auto1"/> * the frigate ''Admiral Kasatonov'' (departed the Mediterranean, March 2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://maritime-executive.com/article/royal-navy-tracks-russian-frigate-through-english-channel-and-n-sea |title=Royal Navy Tracks Russian Frigate Through English Channel and N. Sea |date= 15 March 2023 |website=The Maritime Executive}}</ref> * the frigate ''Admiral Gorshkov'' (entered the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal, April 2023)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/04/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk172023.html |title=Russian Navy in the Mediterranean - Week 17 2023 |publisher=Russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com |date=28 April 2023 |accessdate=2022-04-29}}</ref> * the frigate ''Admiral Grigorovich'' (departed the Mediterranean for the Baltic April 2023) <ref name="twitter.com">{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1651863240379449344|title=@HMSDefender has been shadowing 3 Russian warships on their way to the Baltic - returning home after 18 months on operations in the Mediterranean |number=1651863240379449344 |user=NavyLookout |date=28 April 2023 |access-date=28 April 2023}}</ref> * the ''Steregushchiy''-class corvettes ''Soobrazitelny'' and ''Stoikiy'' (entered the Mediterranean in October 2022;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/10/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk422022.html|title=Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk42/2022}}</ref> departed the Mediterranean for the Baltic April 2023)<ref name="twitter.com"/> * the Buyan-M-class corvette ''Orekhovo-Zuyevo'' * Additional mine warfare units/auxiliaries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/02/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk082022.html|title=Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk08/2022|access-date=5 March 2022|archive-date=5 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305131309/https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/02/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk082022.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://turkishnavy.net/foreign-warship-on-bosphorus/foreign-warships-on-bosphorus-in-2022/ | title=Foreign Warships on Bosphorus in 2022 | date=5 January 2022 | access-date=6 March 2022 | archive-date=6 March 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306121459/https://turkishnavy.net/foreign-warship-on-bosphorus/foreign-warships-on-bosphorus-in-2022/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2022, the Russian Navy operated in the Adriatic Sea for the first time since 1995 ''Volk'''s deployment amid US bombardment of Bosnia and Herzegovina.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2djiD3mDXz4 | title=Russian Navy in the Adriatic sea. Why? | website=YouTube | date=31 August 2022 }}</ref> In late July, destroyer ''Admiral Tributs'' operated off Šibenik, intelligence ship ''Vasily Tatishchev'' operated near island Palagruža, cruiser ''Varyag'' operated near Durrës, while frigate ''Admiral Grigorovich'' remained just outside the Adriatic Sea. As the US carrier ''Truman'' was located in the Adriatic Sea at the same time, there were reports in media about Russian warships simulating blocking the US carrier in the Adriatic Sea.
In August 2022, Russia deployed ''Severodvinsk'' to the Mediterranean Sea, making it the first Russian nuclear submarine in the Mediterranean since ''Kursk'' and ''Tomsk'' in 1999.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/09/new-intelligence-russia-sends-nuclear-submarine-to-mediterranean/ | title=New Intelligence: Russia Sends Nuclear Submarine to Mediterranean | date=2 September 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.slobodenpecat.mk/en/najmokjnata-ruska-nuklearna-podmornica-vplovi-vo-mediteranot/ | title=The most powerful Russian nuclear submarine has sailed into the Mediterranean - Free Press | date=5 September 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBG9MWQfsG8 | title=Russian Sub Ops Special Briefing: Severodvinsk Enters Med | website=YouTube | date=4 September 2022 }}</ref>
===Role in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine=== In conjunction with a build-up of Russian forces around Ukraine and in Belarus, Russia began to reinforce the task force in the Mediterranean toward the end of 2021. The principal movements involved the deployment of two Slava-class cruisers - ''Marshal Ustinov'' from the Northern Fleet and ''Varyag'' from the Pacific Fleet - to the Mediterranean, together with additional escorts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/02/black-sea-fleet-deployments-wk062022.html|title=Black Sea Fleet deployments-Wk06/2022|access-date=5 March 2022|archive-date=15 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215144618/https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/02/black-sea-fleet-deployments-wk062022.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vavasseur |first=Xavier |date=7 February 2022 |title=Russia Sends Slava-class Cruiser Ustinov in the Mediterranean |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/02/russia-sends-slava-class-cruiser-ustinov-in-the-mediterranean/ |website=Naval News |access-date=5 March 2022 |archive-date=4 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304121351/https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/02/russia-sends-slava-class-cruiser-ustinov-in-the-mediterranean/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the same time, the submarine ''Rostov Na Donu'' returned to the Black Sea from the Mediterranean just prior to the outbreak of hostilities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sutton |first=H. I. |date=8 February 2022 |title=6 Russian Warships And Submarine Now Entering Black Sea Towards Ukraine |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/02/6-russian-warships-and-submarine-now-entering-black-sea-towards-ukraine/ |website=Naval News |access-date=5 March 2022 |archive-date=4 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304011118/https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/02/6-russian-warships-and-submarine-now-entering-black-sea-towards-ukraine/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The movements strengthened Russian anti-surface group capabilities in the Mediterranean prior to the outbreak of war. Simultaneously, Bastion-P anti-ship missile batteries were installed at the Russian base in Syria to improve its defensive capabilities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hisutton.com/Russia-Med-BS-2022-02-17.html|title=H I Sutton - Covert Shores|website=www.hisutton.com|access-date=5 March 2022|archive-date=18 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218091835/http://www.hisutton.com/Russia-Med-BS-2022-02-17.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 28 February 2022, four days after the outbreak of hostilities, Turkey indicated that it was closing the Dardanelles Straits to all foreign warships for the duration of the conflict. Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, argued that the move was consistent with terms of the Montreaux Convention of 1936. An exception would be allowed for Russian ships returning from the Mediterranean to Black Sea bases where they were registered. The move limited Russia's ability to reinforce its naval units in the Mediterranean from the Black Sea though it also effectively confined NATO naval forces to the Mediterranean.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ozberk |first=Tayfun |date=28 February 2022 |title=Turkey closes the Dardanelles and Bosphorus to warships |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/02/turkey-closes-the-dardanelles-and-bosphorus-to-warships/ |website=Naval News |access-date=5 March 2022 |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306000601/https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/02/turkey-closes-the-dardanelles-and-bosphorus-to-warships/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Çetiner |first=Yusuf |date=3 March 2022 |title=Blocking The Bosphorus - Turkey Implements The Montreux Convention |url=https://www.overtdefense.com/2022/03/03/turkey-implements-the-montreux-convention-regarding-the-regime-of-the-straits/ |website=Overt Defense |access-date=5 March 2022 |archive-date=3 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303204148/https://www.overtdefense.com/2022/03/03/turkey-implements-the-montreux-convention-regarding-the-regime-of-the-straits/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===2023=== The Russian missile corvette Mercury 734, which is the fifth ship in Project 20380 built at the Severnaya shipyard, visited the Port of Algiers in August 2023. This visit heralded increased collaboration between governments. Russia hopes to invest the Sahel region by this means.<ref name="at1">{{cite news |url=https://www.atalayar.com/en/articulo/politics/russian-ship-from-the-black-sea-fleet-docks-in-the-port-of-algiers/20230831152535190288.html |title=A Russian ship from the Black Sea fleet docks in the port of Algiers |date=3 September 2023 }}</ref>
Russia began a gradual withdrawal of its main warships from the Mediterranean since summer 2022. As of 15 October 2023, the number of Russian warships was six in October 2023. As of then, it included two missile corvettes, one anti-submarine warfare boat, one reconnaissance ship, one supply tanker and one floating shipyard. One analyst concluded that "Russia no longer considers the prospect of the group’s passing through the Turkish Straits realistic".<ref name="bsn23">{{cite news |url=https://www.blackseanews.net/en/read/210586 |title=BlackSeaNews | Deployment of Russian Warships in the Mediterranean as of November 1, 2023 }}</ref>
===2024=== The Improved Kilo II submarine {{ship|Russian submarine|Ufa||2}} from the Pacific Fleet was assigned to the task force for most of 2024, being deployed there from 16 December 2023 until 29 September 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025 |last=Muraviev |first=Alexey |title=Moscow's Pacific Trident: The submarine arm of the Russian Pacific Fleet, early 2025 to 2030 |access-date=18 December 2025 |work=Sea Power Center Australia |url=https://seapower.navy.gov.au/publications-and-research/moscows-pacific-trident-submarine-arm-russian-pacific-fleet-early-2025-2030 }}</ref> It was replaced by {{ship|Russian submarine|Novorossiysk||2}}, which had previously been in the Baltic Sea.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Ryan |last=Chan |title=NATO Member Shadows Russian Ships, Submarine in Atlantic |work=Newsweek |date=9 September 2024 |access-date=18 December 2025 |url=https://www.newsweek.com/nato-news-portugal-shadows-russian-ships-submarine-atlantic-1950614 }}</ref>
===Status as of 2025/26=== As of mid-2025, the loss of the Russian base at the port of Tartus in Syria, as a result of the Fall of the Assad regime in late 2024, has significantly impacted the ability of the Russian navy to maintain an effective presence in the Mediterranean region. The closure of the Turkish Straits as a result of the Russo-Ukraine War has also negatively impacted the ability of the Russian navy to support its naval forces from its ports in the Black Sea. This has compelled the Russian navy to sustain its forces by drawing on units based in its Baltic and Northern fleets.
Whereas previously the Russian naval task force in the Mediterranean comprised up to fifteen warships and auxiliaries, as of mid-2025 the only major units operating in the region were the Project 636.3 submarine ''Novorossiysk'' (B-261), the frigate Admiral Grigorovich<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/russia-mediterranean-flotilla-sorry-state-ps-080825 |title=Russia’s Mediterranean ‘Flotilla’ Is in a Sorry State |website=The National Interest |date=8 August 2025 |access-date=29 September 2025 |last= Suciu |first=Peter}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2025/07/russian-naval-operations-weekly.html |title=Russian Naval Operations - Weekly Situation Report - Week 28/2025 |website=Russian Fleet Analysis |date=8 July 2025 |access-date=29 September 2025}}</ref> and one Steregushchiy-class multi-role corvette.<ref>{{cite web | title=Tartus port and Syria’s new geo-economic strategy | website=IISS | date=2025-07-02 | url=https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2025/07/tartus-port-and-syrias-new-geo-economic-strategy/ | access-date=2025-09-28}}</ref> Russia's naval presence in the Mediterranean reportedly suffered a further setback in September when ''Novorossiysk'' sustained serious damage as the result of a fuel system malfunction.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://united24media.com/latest-news/russian-submarine-and-corvette-sustain-major-damage-heres-what-we-know-12008 |title=Russian Submarine and Corvette Sustain Major Damage. Here’s What We Know |website=United 24 Media |date=27 September 2025 |access-date=28 September 2025 |last= Khomenko |first=Ivan}}</ref> As of mid-2025, Russia and Syria were reportedly engaged in negotiations about the future of Russian naval and air facilities in the country though it remained unclear how extensive Russia's military presence in Syria would be going forward.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20250731-russia-syria-deepen-ties-review-longstanding-assad-era-agreements-military-bases |title=Russia, Syria to deepen ties, review longstanding Assad-era agreements |website=France 24 |date=31 July 2025 |access-date=29 September 2025}}</ref>
With the October surface-return of ''Novorossiysk'' to the Baltic due to mechanical failure and a lack of maintenance facilities in the Mediterranean, ''Naval News'' reported that the problem for Russia is not merely a single diesel-electric submarine, but rather "since losing its Syrian base at Tartus in 2024 and facing restrictions on movement through the Bosporus, Russia’s Mediterranean task force has largely collapsed."<ref name=navnews20251015>{{cite news |title=Russia’s Submarine Problem Is Much Worse Than Many Imagine |last=Sutton|first=H.I. |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/10/russias-submarine-problem-is-much-worse-than-many-imagine/ |work=Naval News |date=2025-10-15 |access-date=2025-10-15 }}</ref>
As of March 2026, the Russian naval presence in the Mediterranean was limited to the Corvette Stoikiy and the submarine ''Krasnodar'' which herself departed the Mediterranean later in the month. Some limited Russian use of the Tartus facility appeared to have been restored. In early 2026, ''Stoykiy'' was reported to be using the facility more regularly, including wharfs previously reserved for the Russian Mediterranean Flotilla.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Russian Navy is Reestablishing its Mediterranean Base in Syria |url=https://maritime-executive.com/article/the-russian-navy-is-reestablishing-its-mediterranean-base-in-syria |access-date=8 May 2026 |website=The Maritime Executive |date=7 May 2026}}</ref>
However, Russia also seemed increasingly to be looking at the ports of Tobruk in Libya as well as Algiers as more consistent ports of call.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lone Russian Corvette Flies the St. Andrew’s Flag in the Med |url=https://maritime-executive.com/article/lone-russian-corvette-flies-the-st-andrew-s-flag-in-the-med |work=The Maritime Executive |date=5 April 2026 |access-date=7 April 2026 }}</ref>
==Commanders== *Captain of the First Rank {{ill|Yuri Zemsky|ru|Земский, Юрий Станиславович}} (2013–2014) *Captain of the First Rank Aleksandr Okun (2015–2016){{cn|date=October 2025}} *Captain of the First Rank Pavel Yasnitsky (2016–?) *Captain of the First Rank Pavel Prosekov (interim) (2020–2021)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12322094@egNews|title=В сирийском Тартусе состоялось торжественное открытие бюста выдающегося русского флотоводца адмирала Фёдора Ушакова|trans-title=The grand opening of the bust of the outstanding Russian naval commander Admiral Fyodor Ushakov took place in Syrian Tartus|date=30 October 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227211016/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12322094@egNews|archive-date=27 December 2021}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Russian fleet}}
Category:Military units and formations established in 2013 Category:2013 establishments in Russia Category:Russia–Syria relations Category:Naval units and formations of Russia Category:Russian fleets Category:Military history of the Mediterranean