“Russia no longer has a single submarine in the Mediterranean Sea – they withdrew their last Novorossiysk submarine from Syria on January 2. ”, — write: www.ukrinform.ua
The publication writes that Russia took the Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk (B-61) through the Strait of Gibraltar at night. His flight was confirmed by the Portuguese Navy on January 4.
Russia has kept its submarines in the Mediterranean since 2013, and they have always included one or more Kilo-class submarines. The submarines were based in Tartus, Syria, but no submarines had entered there since about December 3, 2024.
The publication notes that the replacement for Novorossiysk, if there is one, is still in the North Sea awaiting transit south to the Mediterranean. This boat, possibly Krasnodar (B-265) or Mozhaisk (B-608), was seen leaving the Baltic Sea on December 31, 2024.
The Russian naval base in Tartus was a key part of Russia’s military and political influence in the Middle East and Africa. A reduction in the presence of warships and submarines in the Mediterranean is likely to reduce this impact.
Russia may try to replace Tartus with another base. The publication notes that Russia is negotiating with the new Syrian government to preserve the base. Other possible locations are being discussed, including Benghazi, Tobruk or Al Burdi. These cities in eastern Libya are controlled by Khalifa Haftar, who is supported by Russia. However, no such deal has been confirmed and there are no clear signs of new base construction.
Read also: The Russians plan to transfer part of the military equipment from Syria to Libya – intelligence As reported by Ukrinform, Russia is nearing a deal with Syria’s new leadership to keep two of its key military bases after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
According to the spokesman of the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Dmytro Pletenchuk, the Russians kept submarines, frigates, missile carriers and large amphibious ships at the Syrian base in Tartus. He also confirmed that the Russian Federation has in fact completely lost control over the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
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