In an interview with the Italian newspaper ‘La Repubblica‘, the Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Cavo Dragone, explained what has happened in the Adriatic Sea in recent weeks.
Three different Russian units have entered the Adriatic Sea, where the aircraft carrier USS Truman (CVN-75) and its Combat Strike Group are located:
– destroyer Admiral Tributs (783), which operated in the central Adriatic;
– the intelligence ship Vasiliy Nikitich Tatishchev (SSV231);
– the cruiser Varyag (011), which operated in the southern Adriatic;
Meanwhile the frigate Admiral Grigorovich (745) has operated in the Ionian Sea.
The Italian Navy has deployed different units in the Adriatic that closely followed the Russian ships:
– the frigate Bergamini (F590) in the central Adriatic
– the submarine Longobardo (S524);
– the frigate Marceglia (F597) in the southern Adriatic
– the frigate Libeccio (F572);
In addition, Italian Air Force ATR P-72As and USNavy Boeing P-8As from Sigonella took part in the control operations of the Russian units.
Currently, the Russian units have left the Adriatic and are sailing in the Ionian Sea.
is it really? just 4 Russian ships?
maybe it is time to look down into the deep blue: most possibly there are 2 up to 4 submarines, most possibly Lada Class. (which can carry Kalibr). Do not be surprised if it is only one submarine but guess what, it will be Yasen -class. One is enough.
one of the surface ships is equipped with zircons and onyx missiles as well as kalibers.
it’s not a secret that whenever Russian recon & intelligence ships are operating- they are NOT alone, always paired with submarines, because the surface is for ships but under surface is a job for submarines.
good luck, Italian Navy.
Potenza Italiana!!! <3<3
Slava Ukraini!!! <3<3<3
Russia is watching closely at Kosovo conflict. If Serbs are attacked again like in 1999, judgment day is uppon all NATO bases on the Balkans.