New Russian entries in the Mediterranean Sea

Last night, two units of the Russian Navy entered the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar.

The first is the tanker Akademik Pashin, while the second is believed to be an Admiral Gorshkov-class frigate, likely the Admiral Gorshkov itself. Early this afternoon, it appears that the Akademik Pashin conducted a refueling operation for the accompanying frigate.

🇷🇺MED SEA FLOTILLA🇷🇺
Landsat 8-9 from 24 July 2024

Akademik Pashin cleared STROG earlier today and was spotted around 10:50 UTC

She did have a shadow with her and based on the silhouette and length it is almost certain that it's the Admiral Gorshkov@KaptainLOMA @key2med pic.twitter.com/Y3PyUYk0FK

— MT Anderson (@MT_Anderson) July 24, 2024

It is highly likely that the final destination for both units is Tartus. It remains to be seen if the Admiral Gorshkov frigate will replace the Admiral Grigorovich, which has been in the Mediterranean for over eight months, having crossed Gibraltar in early November 2023.