Russian Navy Presence in the Mediterranean

Yesterday, due to what appears to be a translation error, several Italian media outlets mistakenly reported the presence of a Russian aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean. This was clearly incorrect—not only because no such vessel was spotted, but also because, quite simply, Russia currently has no active aircraft carriers in service.

This incident provides an opportunity to take stock of the actual Russian naval presence in the Mediterranean. Since abandoning its operations at the Syrian port of Tartus, Russia no longer maintains a permanent naval base in the region. As a result, Russian naval units must rely on temporary docking arrangements (such as in Algeria) or conduct at-sea replenishment operations.

This logistical limitation has significantly reduced both the number and operational effectiveness of Russian naval assets in the area. For example, the submarines deployed since the beginning of the year have only conducted symbolic cruises, always escorted by a tug, and have shown minimal operational activity in Mediterranean waters.

Based on available OSINT sources (which may not capture every unit), here’s the current known Russian naval presence in the Mediterranean as of July 14, 2025:

• Corvette Boikiy: A Steregushchiy-class (Project 20380) corvette, currently southeast of Sicily, en route to Syria, escorting a “Syrian Express” convoy (full details available here).
• Tug Jakob Grebelsky and submarine Novorossiysk: The Novorossiysk is a Project 636.3 Improved Kilo-class diesel-electric submarine. The pair is currently sailing eastward off the coast of eastern Libya.
• Replenishment tanker Vyazma: Stationed near the Strait of Gibraltar, providing fuel to transiting Russian vessels—the most recent being the corvette Boikiy.
• Signals intelligence ship Viktor Leonov: A Vishnya-class (Project 864) SIGINT vessel, which entered the Mediterranean in mid-April. Last known position Eastern Mediterranean (25th of June)

There may be an additional tanker in the region, but we currently lack confirmation.

What emerges clearly is that the Russian naval threat in the Mediterranean is at its lowest point in years. Furthermore, there is currently no evidence to suggest that Russia is establishing a permanent naval base in Libya.

Some sources: