Unusual Movements in the Ionian

Yesterday, we reported that a pair of RAF Poseidon aircraft had arrived at Sigonella from RAF Lossiemouth.

This morning, a Norwegian Poseidon departed from Sigonella to return home.

Also this morning, one of the two British Poseidons (reg. ZP806) left the Sicilian base for a mission of approximately five hours over the central Mediterranean (Ionian?). It was not possible to track the entire mission—there is a gap of nearly four hours—but the aircraft appears to have operated around 12,000 feet, suggesting it did not venture too far, likely conducting an operational mission in the area.

Also this afternoon, a US Navy Poseidon is operating over the Ionian Sea after departing from NAS Sigonella.

Currently, no exercises are reported in the area (DYNAMIC MANTA 25 is scheduled to take place from March 3 to 14). However, smaller-scale exercises cannot be ruled out.

It is worth noting that Russian military units are still present in the Mediterranean, though their exact location is currently unknown.