Joint Italian-US Navy Operations Continue Southeast of Sicily Amid Russian Naval Transit

Once again this morning, we are observing intense aerial activity southeast of Sicily. Operating in the area—both having taken off from Sigonella—are an Italian Air Force ATR P-72A (reg. MM62281) and a US Navy Boeing P-8A. The two aircraft are conducting joint operations at altitudes ranging between 4,000 and 10,000 feet.

The Italian aircraft initially flew several passes farther east, over the area where the Russian Navy tug Jakob Grebelsky is believed to be operating. It then moved slightly westward, performing a series of tighter orbits. This shift may suggest that the Novorossiysk—a Kilo-class submarine traveling alongside the tug since their departure from St. Petersburg—is trailing slightly behind.

At this time, it remains unclear whether the submarine is transiting on the surface (as is typically the case during transfer voyages) or submerged.