Russian Navy units en route to Mediterranean Sea

A Russian Navy submarine, most likely the Black Sea Fleet’s Kilo-class T636.3 B-261 “Novorossiysk”, was observed departing the English Channel through the Ushant Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) by 040001Z on September 1, 2024.

The vessel, known for its stealth and versatility, is widely speculated to be en route to Tartus, Syria, a critical naval facility for Russian operations in the Mediterranean. This mission is presumed to be a routine rotation, intended to relieve the B-588 Ufa, which has been stationed in the region.

🔺OOA – Update

A Russian Navy submarine, likely Black Sea Fleet Kilo T636.3 B-261 “Novorossiysk” departed the English Channel via the Ushant TSS, by 040001Z SEP 2024.

Unit ENR Tartus to relieve B-588 Ufa & escorted by Sliva class tug “Evgeniy Churov” @EE_EspadaEscudo pic.twitter.com/CD7fZ4R9cQ

— Droxford Maritime (@Drox_Maritime) September 4, 2024

The Novorossiysk is not traveling alone; it is being escorted by the Sliva-class tug “Evgeniy Churov,” a vessel typically used for support and logistical tasks, indicating the importance and scale of this deployment.

As of today, the two units are expected to have transited through the English Channel and are heading south. During the crossing, they were shadowed by the British frigate HMS Iron Duke (F 234).

The same unit is now escorting another Russian ship, the Russian Navy corvette RFS Stoikiy (545), which also appears to be transiting south (towards the Mediterranean as well?)