Mediterranean Sea Task Force

As of 2020, Russian naval units in the Mediterranean regularly included:

• 2 Improved Kilo-class submarines (drawn from the Black Sea Fleet ostensibly en route for maintenance in the Baltic to comply with provisions of the Montreux Convention; but remaining for prolonged periods in the Mediterranean);{{Cite web|url=http://www.hisutton.com/Russian-Navy-Base-in-Tartus-Syria.html|title=H I Sutton - Covert Shores|access-date=27 February 2021|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121161742/http://www.hisutton.com/Russian-Navy-Base-in-Tartus-Syria.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url = https://news.usni.org/2020/07/08/russian-black-sea-sub-deployments-to-mediterranean-could-violate-treaty|title = Russian Black Sea Sub Deployments to Mediterranean Could Violate Treaty|date = 8 July 2020|access-date = 27 February 2021|archive-date = 4 March 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210304160725/https://news.usni.org/2020/07/08/russian-black-sea-sub-deployments-to-mediterranean-could-violate-treaty|url-status = live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.hisutton.com/Russian-Submarines-Montreux-Problem.html|title=H I Sutton - Covert Shores|access-date=25 December 2021|archive-date=25 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225214225/http://www.hisutton.com/Russian-Submarines-Montreux-Problem.html|url-status=live}}
• Up to 2 nuclear-powered submarines (drawn from the Northern Fleet when deployed);{{cite web |last1=Delanoë |first1=Igor |title=Russian Naval Forces in the Syrian War |url=https://www.fpri.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/report-chapter-6-delanoe.pdf |website=Foreign Policy Research Institute |date=September 2020 |access-date=27 February 2021 |archive-date=15 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215033747/https://www.fpri.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/report-chapter-6-delanoe.pdf |url-status=live }}
• Major surface combatants (drawn from the Black Sea Fleet and on rotation from the Northern or Baltic Fleets);
• Light Corvettes/Offshore Patrol/mine countermeasures Vessels (principally drawn from the Black Sea Fleet);{{Cite web|url=https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/48060|title=Russia's Navy places stealth warship at Syrian port of Tartus|date=31 January 2021|access-date=27 February 2021|archive-date=31 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131163439/https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/48060|url-status=live}}
• Ropucha-class and Alligator-class landing ships (principally from the Black Sea Fleet but on occasion may also be drawn from other fleets){{Cite web|url=https://www.gfsis.org/russian-monitor/view/2948|title=Rondeli Russian Military Digest: Issue 80, 22 March - 28 March 2021|access-date=1 April 2021|archive-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514124344/https://www.gfsis.org/russian-monitor/view/2948|url-status=live}} providing logistic support and re-supply for the Russian naval facility in Tartus;{{Cite web|url = https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/03/the-russian-navys-bosphorus-relay-resupplying-syria-continues/|title = The Russian Navy's Bosphorus Relay Resupplying Syria Continues|date = 24 March 2020|access-date = 1 March 2021|archive-date = 16 June 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210616084009/https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/03/the-russian-navys-bosphorus-relay-resupplying-syria-continues/|url-status = live}}
• Support vessels and specialist auxiliary vessels; and,
• Light patrol/anti-saboteur vessels (for security at the Tartus naval facility).

Naval units can be supported by aircraft operating from the Khmeimim Air Base in Syria. Units deployed have included Tu-22M3 Backfire bombers as well as Su-24s, Su-35s, MiG-31s and Tu-142MK and Il-38 anti-submarine warfare aircraft.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40777/russian-tu-22m3-backfire-bombers-based-in-syria-are-going-to-patrol-the-mediterranean|title=Russian Tu-22M3 Backfire Bombers Based In Syria Are Going To Patrol The Mediterranean|first=Thomas|last=Newdick|website=The Drive|date=25 May 2021|access-date=24 June 2021|archive-date=31 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531042734/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40777/russian-tu-22m3-backfire-bombers-based-in-syria-are-going-to-patrol-the-mediterranean|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/defense/1294579|title=Russia's Tu-22M3 bombers perform flight over Mediterranean from Hmeymim airbase in Syria|access-date=24 June 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624211202/https://tass.com/defense/1294579|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.wdrb.com/russian-su-24-bomber-lands-at-hemeimeem-air-base-in-syria/image_873cfbd6-d443-11eb-a29b-77902b1b77b2.html|title=Russian Su-24 bomber lands at Hemeimeem air base in Syria|website=WDRB|date=23 June 2021 |access-date=24 June 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624205908/https://www.wdrb.com/russian-su-24-bomber-lands-at-hemeimeem-air-base-in-syria/image_873cfbd6-d443-11eb-a29b-77902b1b77b2.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/defense/1307151|title=Russian naval ships, aircraft kick off drills in Mediterranean|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625105223/https://tass.com/defense/1307151|url-status=live}}

During 2022, known Russian naval forces deployed with the task force reportedly included:

• two Improved Kilo-class submarines (Novorossiysk (B-261) and Krasnodar (B-265)); Novorossiysk redeployed to the Baltic for maintenance as of September 2022{{Cite web|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2022/october/12402-russian-submarine-novorossiysk-will-undergo-repairs-in-2023.html|title=Russian submarine Novorossiysk will undergo repairs in 2023|website=Navy Recognition|date=25 October 2022 }}
• at least one Russian nuclear-powered submarine (later reported to be the Yasen-class submarine Severodvinsk) entered the Mediterranean in August 2022{{cite web | url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/09/new-intelligence-russia-sends-nuclear-submarine-to-mediterranean/ | title=New Intelligence: Russia Sends Nuclear Submarine to Mediterranean | date=2 September 2022 | access-date=3 September 2022 | archive-date=3 September 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903125746/https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/09/new-intelligence-russia-sends-nuclear-submarine-to-mediterranean/ | url-status=live }}
• two Slava-class cruisers (Varyag and Marshal Ustinov; Marshal Ustinov was reported to have left the Mediterranean in August 2022, likely returning to her home base on the Kola Peninsula[https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1562459105427476481 Twitter] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912055651/https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1562459105427476481 |date=12 September 2022 }} while Varyag departed the Mediterranean in October via the Suez canal likely returning to the Pacific).{{Cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blog-spot.com/2022/11/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk442022.html|title=Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk44/2022}}
• two Udaloy-class destroyers (Admiral Tributs and Vice-Admiral Kulakov - Vice-Admiral Kulakov departed the Mediterranean, in company with Marshal Ustinov, late August 2022{{cite web | url=https://www.thejournal.ie/russian-navy-cork-coast-british-navy-irish-defence-forces-5852924-Aug2022/ | title=Military operation underway off south coast as Russian missile cruisers transit through area | date=30 August 2022 | access-date=3 September 2022 | archive-date=1 September 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901135324/https://www.thejournal.ie/russian-navy-cork-coast-british-navy-irish-defence-forces-5852924-Aug2022/ | url-status=live }} while Admiral Tributs departed the Mediterranean in company with Varyag in October 2022)
• the frigate Admiral Kasatonov (departed the Mediterranean, March 2023){{Cite web|url=https://maritime-executive.com/article/royal-navy-tracks-russian-frigate-through-english-channel-and-n-sea |title=Royal Navy Tracks Russian Frigate Through English Channel and N. Sea |date= 15 March 2023 |website=The Maritime Executive}}
• the frigate Admiral Gorshkov (entered the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal, April 2023){{cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/04/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk172023.html |title=Russian Navy in the Mediterranean - Week 17 2023 |publisher=Russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com |date=28 April 2023 |accessdate=2022-04-29}}
• the frigate Admiral Grigorovich (departed the Mediterranean for the Baltic April 2023) {{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1651863240379449344|title=@HMSDefender has been shadowing 3 Russian warships on their way to the Baltic - returning home after 18 months on operations in the Mediterranean |number=1651863240379449344 |user=NavyLookout |date=28 April 2023 |access-date=28 April 2023}}
• the Steregushchiy-class corvettes Soobrazitelny and Stoikiy (entered the Mediterranean in October 2022;{{Cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/10/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk422022.html|title=Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk42/2022}} departed the Mediterranean for the Baltic April 2023)
• the Buyan-M-class corvette Orekhovo-Zuyevo
• Additional mine warfare units/auxiliaries.{{Cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/02/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk082022.html|title=Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk08/2022|access-date=5 March 2022|archive-date=5 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305131309/https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/02/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk082022.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=https://turkishnavy.net/foreign-warship-on-bosphorus/foreign-warships-on-bosphorus-in-2022/ | title=Foreign Warships on Bosphorus in 2022 | date=5 January 2022 | access-date=6 March 2022 | archive-date=6 March 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306121459/https://turkishnavy.net/foreign-warship-on-bosphorus/foreign-warships-on-bosphorus-in-2022/ | url-status=live }}

The Russian missile corvette Mercury 734, which is the fifth ship in Project 20380 built at the Severnaya shipyard, visited the Port of Algiers in August 2023. This visit heralded increased collaboration between governments. Russia hopes to invest the Sahel region by this means.{{cite news |url=https://www.atalayar.com/en/articulo/politics/russian-ship-from-the-black-sea-fleet-docks-in-the-port-of-algiers/20230831152535190288.html |title=A Russian ship from the Black Sea fleet docks in the port of Algiers |date=3 September 2023 }}

Russia began a gradual withdrawal of its main warships from the Mediterranean since summer 2022. As of 15 October 2023, the number of Russian warships was six in October 2023. As of then, it included two missile corvettes, one anti-submarine warfare boat, one reconnaissance ship, one supply tanker and one floating shipyard. One analyst concluded that "Russia no longer considers the prospect of the group’s passing through the Turkish Straits realistic".{{cite news |url=https://www.blackseanews.net/en/read/210586 |title=BlackSeaNews | Deployment of Russian Warships in the Mediterranean as of November 1, 2023 }}

Between December 2007–February 2008, the Russian Navy made the first large deployment to the Mediterranean Sea in 15 years. The task force included Northern Fleet's aircraft carrier {{ship|Russian aircraft carrier|Admiral Kuznetsov||2}}, destroyers {{ship|Russian destroyer|Admiral Levchenko||2}} and {{ship|Russian destroyer|Admiral Chabanenko||2}} and Black Sea Fleet's cruiser {{ship|Russian cruiser|Moskva||2}}. Vice-Admiral Nikolai Maksimov, the Northern Fleet commander, said during the operations that "After this visit to the Mediterranean and France, the first in 15 years, we will establish a constant presence in the region".{{cite web|first=David |last=Eshel|url=https://defense-update.com/20071209_russian-naval-build-up.html|title=Russian Mediterranean Naval Build-Up Challenges NATO Sixth Fleet Domination|website=defense-update.com|date=9 December 2007|accessdate=8 March 2023}}

In 2013, the Russian naval presence in the Mediterranean Sea was formed by Black Sea Fleet's cruiser Moskva (5 July{{cite web |url=https://stat.mil.ru/et/news/more.htm?id=11797231@egNews |title=Флагман Черноморского флота гвардейский ракетный крейсер "Москва" вышел в Средиземное море |website=mil.ru |date=5 July 2013 |access-date=11 July 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711115756/https://stat.mil.ru/et/news/more.htm?id=11797231@egNews |url-status=live }}–12 July) and Northern Fleet's destroyers {{ship|Russian destroyer|Vice-Admiral Kulakov||2}} (4 June{{cite web |url=https://sdelanounas.ru/blogs/34128/ |title=БПК "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" идёт в Средиземное море |website=sdelanounas.ru |date=1 June 2013 |access-date=11 July 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711115755/https://sdelanounas.ru/blogs/34128/ |url-status=live }}–17 July{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11805699@egNews |title=В Атлантическом океане сформирован межфлотский отряд боевых кораблей ВМФ России |website=mil.ru |date=17 July 2013 |access-date=11 July 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711115800/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11805699@egNews |url-status=live }}) and {{ship|Russian destroyer|Severomorsk||2}} (January–June).

With the start of the military operation of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria on 30 September 2015, the formation took part in this operation, covering the airborne forces of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria and the Khmeimim Air Base at which it is deployed. The main objective of the formation was to ensure the activities of the Russian troops in Syria. Presently, it continues to facilitate and replenish Russian forces stationed there and also help out with any search and rescue operations in its area of responsibility.

In September 2013, the permanent task force was formed. It was temporarily strengthened by Moskva (11 September{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11837109@egNews |title=Гвардейский ракетный крейсер Черноморского флота "Москва" вошел в Средиземное море |website=mil.ru |date=11 September 2013 |access-date=11 July 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711115758/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11837109@egNews |url-status=live }}–18 November), Northern Fleet's heavy cruiser {{ship|Russian battlecruiser|Pyotr Velikiy||2}} (2 November–8 May 2014) and Pacific Fleet's cruiser Varyag (2 November{{cite web |url=https://www.interfax.ru/russia/338556 |title="Варяг" дошел до Средиземного моря |website=interfax.ru |date=2 November 2013 |access-date=10 July 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711115754/https://www.interfax.ru/russia/338556 |url-status=live }}–unknown) and destroyer {{ship|Russian destroyer|Admiral Panteleyev||2}} (2 November–November).

In 2014, the task force was temporarily strengthened by Black Sea Fleet's cruiser Moskva (6 September–18 January 2015), Northern Fleet's aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov (10 January–8 May{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/may/08/140508-russian-task-group |title=Royal Navy sails to meet Russian Task Group

|website=royalnavy.mod.uk |date=8 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317102239/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/may/08/140508-russian-task-group

|access-date=11 July 2021|archive-date=17 March 2018

}}), heavy cruiser Pyotr Velikiy (2 November 2013{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11863920@egNews |title=Тяжелый атомный ракетный крейсер "Петр Великий" зашел в Средиземное море |website=mil.ru |date=2 November 2013 |access-date=11 July 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711115755/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11863920@egNews |url-status=live }}–8 May 2014), destroyers Admiral Levchenko (10 January{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11888080@egNews |title=Корабельная авианосная группа Северного флота прошла пролив Ла-Манш |website=mil.ru |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=11 July 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711115802/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11888080@egNews |url-status=live }}–30 June{{cite web |url=https://www.tv21.ru/news/2014/06/30/bpk-admiral-levchenko-sovershil-delovoy-zahod-v-ispanskiy-port-seuta |title=БПК "Адмирал Левченко" совершил деловой заход в испанский порт Сеута |website=tv21.ru |date=30 June 2014 |access-date=10 July 2021 |archive-date=10 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710115920/https://www.tv21.ru/news/2014/06/30/bpk-admiral-levchenko-sovershil-delovoy-zahod-v-ispanskiy-port-seuta |url-status=live }}), Vice-Admiral Kulakov (28 April{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11922540@egNews |title=БПК "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" совершил деловой заход в порт Сеута (Испания) |website=mil.ru |date=28 April 2014 |access-date=10 July 2021 |archive-date=10 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710115920/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=11922540@egNews |url-status=live }}–December) and Severomorsk (28 November–10 April 2015) and Baltic Fleet's frigate {{ship|Russian ship|Yaroslav Mudry||2}} (August–16 February 2015{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12008125@egNews |title=Сторожевой корабль Балтийского флота "Ярослав Мудрый" возвращается из дальнего похода |website=mil.ru |date=16 February 2014 |access-date=10 July 2021 |archive-date=10 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710115917/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12008125@egNews |url-status=live }}).

In 2015, the task force was temporarily strengthened by Black Sea Fleet's cruiser Moskva (6 September 2014{{cite web|url=http://eurasian-defence.ru/?q=node%2F31674|title=ГРКР "МОСКВА" ВЫШЕЛ НА БОЕВУЮ СЛУЖБУ!|website=eurasian-defence.ru|date=9 September 2014|access-date=9 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184932/http://eurasian-defence.ru/?q=node%2F31674|url-status=live}}–18 January,{{cite web|url=https://rg.ru/2015/01/18/reg-kfo/kreiser.html|title=Крейсер "Москва" вернулся в Севастополь из 135-дневного похода|website=rg.ru|date=18 January 2015|access-date=9 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709213358/https://rg.ru/2015/01/18/reg-kfo/kreiser.html|url-status=live}} 1 June{{cite web |url=https://flot.com/2015/%D0%A1%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B5%D0%9C%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B520/ |title=Крейсер "Москва" отправился в Средиземное море |website=flot.com |date=1 June 2015 |access-date=9 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190331/https://flot.com/2015/%D0%A1%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B5%D0%9C%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B520/ |url-status=live }}–18 August{{cite web |url=https://sc.mil.ru/social/health/news/more.htm?id=12051073@egNews |title=Флагман Черноморского флота ГРКР "Москва" вернулся в Севастополь из дальнего похода |website=mil.ru |date=18 August 2015 |access-date=9 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709191027/https://sc.mil.ru/social/health/news/more.htm?id=12051073@egNews |url-status=live }} and 25 September–9 January 2016) and Northern Fleet's destroyers Severomorsk (28 November 2014{{cite web |url=https://ria.ru/20141128/1035581305.html |title=Корабли ВМФ России проведут учения в Ла-Манше |website=ria.ru |date=28 November 2014 |access-date=9 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709193538/https://ria.ru/20141128/1035581305.html |url-status=live }}–10 April 2015{{cite web |url=https://sc.mil.ru/social/health/news/more.htm?id=12013938@egNews |title=Большой противолодочный корабль "Североморск" уходит из Средиземного моря |website=mil.ru |date=10 April 2015 |access-date=9 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190117/https://sc.mil.ru/social/health/news/more.htm?id=12013938@egNews |url-status=live }}) and Vice-Admiral Kulakov (November–25 March 2016{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12081543@egNews |title=Большой противолодочный корабль "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" Северного флота зашел в Северное море |website=mil.ru |date=25 March 2015 |access-date=9 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190625/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12081543@egNews |url-status=live }}) and Baltic Fleet's frigate Yaroslav Mudry (August 2014–16 February 2015).

In 2016, the task force was temporarily strengthened by Black Sea Fleet's cruiser Moskva (25 September 2015{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12058713@egNews |title=Гвардейский ракетный крейсер "Москва" Черноморского флота прибыл в состав постоянной группировки ВМФ России в Средиземном море |website=mil.ru |date=25 September 2015 |access-date=8 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190843/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12058713@egNews |url-status=live }}–9 January 2016{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12073514@egNews |title=Гвардейский ракетный крейсер "Москва" вернулся в Севастополь из Средиземного моря |website=mil.ru |date=9 January 2016 |access-date=8 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185957/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12073514@egNews |url-status=live }}), Pacific Fleet's cruiser Varyag (3 January 2016{{cite web |url=https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/2569937 |title=Крейсер "Варяг" вышел в Средиземное море, где сменит у берегов Сирии крейсер "Москва" |website=tass.ru |date=3 January 2016 |access-date=8 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184843/https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/2569937 |url-status=live }}–spring), Baltic Fleet's frigate Yaroslav Mudry (11 June–9 October{{cite web |url=https://sdelanounas.ru/blogs/84513/ |title="Зелёный Дол» и "Серпухов" пришли на Мальту, а "Ярослав Мудрый" ушёл из Сеуты |website=sdelanounas.ru |date=9 October 2016 |access-date=8 July 2021 |archive-date=31 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231101436/https://sdelanounas.ru/blogs/84513/ |url-status=live }}) and Northern Fleet's aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, heavy cruiser Pyotr Velikiy (both 26 October–20 January 2017) and destroyers Severomorsk (26 October–24 May 2017) and Vice-Admiral Kulakov (November 2015–25 March 2016 and 26 October–6 December{{cite web|url=https://rg.ru/2016/12/06/korabl-vice-admiral-kulakov-voshel-v-la-mansh.html|title=Корабль "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" вошел в Ла-Манш|website=rg.ru|date=6 December 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709213352/https://rg.ru/2016/12/06/korabl-vice-admiral-kulakov-voshel-v-la-mansh.html|url-status=live}}).

The mainstay of the task force were Black Sea Fleet's frigates {{ship|Russian frigate|Ladny||2}} (5 May{{cite web |url=https://www.interfax.ru/russia/506990 |title=Сторожевой корабль ЧФ "Ладный" пополнит средиземноморскую группировку ВМФ |website=interfax.ru |date=5 May 2015 |access-date=8 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190328/https://www.interfax.ru/russia/506990 |url-status=live }}–10 June{{cite web |url=https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/3354799 |title=Сторожевой корабль "Ладный" вернулся в Севастополь из Средиземного моря |website=tass.ru |date=10 June 2016 |access-date=8 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185238/https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/3354799 |url-status=live }}), Pytlivy (25 May{{cite web|url=https://news.allcrimea.net/news/2016/5/25/storozhevoi-korabl-chf-pytlivyi-vyshel-iz-sevastopolya-v-sredizemnoe-more-59173/|title=Сторожевой корабль ЧФ "Пытливый" вышел из Севастополя в Средиземное море|website=allcrimea.net|date=25 May 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184918/https://news.allcrimea.net/news/2016/5/25/storozhevoi-korabl-chf-pytlivyi-vyshel-iz-sevastopolya-v-sredizemnoe-more-59173/|url-status=live}}–1 July{{cite web|url=https://riafan.ru/543772-rossiiskii-storozhevoi-korabl-pytlivyi-dobralsya-do-sredizemnogo-morya|title=Российский сторожевой корабль "Пытливый" добрался до Средиземного моря|website=riafan.ru|date=6 August 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185221/https://riafan.ru/543772-rossiiskii-storozhevoi-korabl-pytlivyi-dobralsya-do-sredizemnogo-morya|url-status=live}} and 6 August–28 November{{cite web|url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12104912@egNews|title=Сторожевой корабль ЧФ "Пытливый" вернулся в Севастополь из дальнего похода|website=mil.ru|date=28 November 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185527/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12104912@egNews|url-status=live}}) and Admiral Grigorovich (May–9 June{{cite web|url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12087043@egNews|title=Новейший фрегат Черноморского флота "Адмирал Григорович" прибыл в Севастополь|website=mil.ru|date=10 June 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190523/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12087043@egNews|url-status=live}} and 24 September{{cite web|url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12097007@egNews|title=Фрегат ЧФ "Адмирал Григорович" примет участие в Днях памяти адмирала Федора Ушакова в Греции|website=mil.ru|date=24 September 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190508/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12097007@egNews|url-status=live}}–6 October{{cite web|url=https://flot.com/2016/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%B418/|title=Новейший фрегат "Адмирал Григорович" возвращается в Севастополь|website=flot.com|date=4 October 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190431/https://flot.com/2016/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%B418/|url-status=live}}) as well as destroyer {{ship|Russian destroyer|Smetlivy||2}} (7 March{{cite web|url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2932233|title=Сторожевой корабль "Сметливый" направился в Средиземное море|website=kommersant.ru|date=6 March 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184534/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2932233|url-status=live}}–9 June and 25 October{{cite web|url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12101218@egNews|title=СКР Черноморского флота "Сметливый" взял курс на греческий порт Пирей для участия в мероприятиях Года России в Греции|website=mil.ru|date=25 October 2016|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184917/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12101218@egNews|url-status=live}}–5 March 2017{{cite web|url=https://gazetacrimea.ru/news/v-sevastopol-iz-sirii-vernylsya-storojevik-smetlivii-25378/|title=В Севастополь из Сирии вернулся сторожевик "Сметливый" (ФОТО)|website=gazetacrimea.ru|date=6 March 2017|access-date=8 July 2021}}{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}).

Between October 2016–January 2017, the Russian Navy intervened in the Syrian Civil War during the Battle of Aleppo deploying a carrier strike group centered around the Northern Fleet's aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, which included heavy cruiser Pyotr Velikiy, destroyers Severomorsk and Vice-Admiral Kulakov and likely a nuclear submarine. The Admiral Kuznetsov's airwing, composed of 6-8 Su-33s and 4 MiG-29Ks flew missions in Syria. A Su-33 and a MiG-29K were lost due to malfunctions of the arresting wires, with pilots being safely rescued.

In 2017, the task force was temporarily strengthened by Northern Fleet's aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, heavy cruiser Pyotr Velikiy (both 26 October 2016{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/26/spain-russian-warships-refuel-aleppo-bombing-ceuta-syria |title=Anger as Spain prepares to let Russian warships refuel on way back to Aleppo bombing |work=The Guardian |date=26 October 2016 |access-date=6 March 2021 |archive-date=1 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601083610/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/26/spain-russian-warships-refuel-aleppo-bombing-ceuta-syria |url-status=live }}–20 January 2017{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38748941 |title=UK warship escorts Russian carrier in English Channel |date=25 January 2017 |website=BBC News |access-date=25 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126144833/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38748941 |archive-date=26 January 2017 |url-status=live}}) and destroyers Severomorsk (26 October 2016–24 May 2017{{cite web |url=https://www.mvestnik.ru/newslent/bolshoj-protivolodochnyj-korabl-severomorsk-zavershil-delovoj-zahod-v-lissabon |title=Большой противолодочный корабль "Североморск" завершил деловой заход в Лиссабон |website=mvestnik.ru |date=27 May 2017 |access-date=7 July 2021 |archive-date=11 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011110936/https://www.mvestnik.ru/newslent/bolshoj-protivolodochnyj-korabl-severomorsk-zavershil-delovoj-zahod-v-lissabon/ |url-status=live }}) and Vice-Admiral Kulakov (8 August{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12137028@egNews |title=Большой противолодочный корабль СФ "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" преодолел Ла-Манш и вошел в Бискайский залив |website=mil.ru |date=8 August 2017 |access-date=7 July 2021 |archive-date=2 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002220728/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12137028@egNews |url-status=live }}–4 November{{cite web |url=https://mil.ru/fea/news/more.htm?id=12149746@egNews |title=Большой противолодочный корабль "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" завершил деловой заход в Португалию и продолжил дальний поход |website=mil.ru |date=7 November 2017 |access-date=7 July 2021 |archive-date=5 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005050649/https://mil.ru/fea/news/more.htm?id=12149746@egNews |url-status=live }}), as well as Baltic Fleet's corvettes {{ship|Russian corvette|Soobrazitelny||2}} and {{ship|Russian corvette|Boikiy||2}} (29 October{{cite web |url=https://iz.ru/664648/ilia-kramnik/doroga-vikingov |title=Дорога викингов |website=iz.ru |date=30 October 2017 |access-date=7 July 2021 |archive-date=5 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005015017/https://iz.ru/664648/ilia-kramnik/doroga-vikingov |url-status=live }}–December).

In 2018, the task force was temporarily strengthened by Northern Fleet's cruiser {{ship|Russian cruiser|Marshal Ustinov||2}} (11 August–12 November{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12205276@egNews |title=Отряд боевых кораблей и судов обеспечения СФ выполнил задачи дальнего похода и прибыл в Североморск |website=mil.ru |date=23 November 2018 |access-date=6 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183436/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12205276@egNews |url-status=live }}) and destroyer Severomorsk (11 August{{cite web |url=https://www.rbc.ru/politics/11/08/2018/5b6eae9c9a794766c7e9160d |title=В Средиземное море зашел вернувшийся в строй российский ракетный крейсер |website=rbc.ru |date=11 August 2018 |access-date=6 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183043/https://www.rbc.ru/politics/11/08/2018/5b6eae9c9a794766c7e9160d |url-status=live }}–3 May 2019{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12229161@egNews |title=Большой противолодочный корабль "Североморск" вышел в Атлантику |website=mil.ru |date=3 May 2019 |access-date=6 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185630/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12229161@egNews |url-status=live }}) as well as Baltic Fleet's frigate Yaroslav Mudry (26 April{{cite web |url=https://www.interfax.ru/russia/610299 |title=Сторожевой корабль и танкер пополнили эскадру РФ в Средиземноморье |website=interfax.ru |date=26 April 2018 |access-date=7 July 2021 |archive-date=18 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718074841/https://www.interfax.ru/russia/610299 |url-status=live }}–October).

Between 1–8 September, the largest Russian post-Cold war naval exercise in the Mediterranean Sea was conducted. Dubbed Ocean shield, it was the first iteration of Ocean shield exercises, which were in the next two years held in the Baltic Sea. 26 ships, 2 submarines and 34 aircraft were included.{{cite web|url=https://www.kp.ru/daily/26903.7/3948110/|title=Shoigu: "Ocean Shield" exercise in Mediterranean will become permanent/|website=kp.ru|date=2 November 2018|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712125856/https://www.kp.ru/daily/26903.7/3948110/|url-status=live}} Among participants were cruiser Marshal Ustinov, destroyers Smetlivy and Severomorsk, frigates Admiral Grigorovich, Admiral Essen, Admiral Makarov, Pytlivy and Yaroslav Mudry, corvettes Vishny Volochyok, Grad Sviyazhsk and Veliky Ustyug and conventional submarines Kolpino and Velikiy Novgorod.{{cite web|url=https://rg.ru/2018/12/03/reg-ufo/chernomorskij-flot-poluchit-18-novyh-korablej.html|title=Черноморский флот получит 18 новых кораблей|website=rg.ru|date=3 December 2018|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712131730/https://rg.ru/2018/12/03/reg-ufo/chernomorskij-flot-poluchit-18-novyh-korablej.html|url-status=live}}

Aircraft present included Tu-160 bombers, Tu-142 and Il-38 anti-submarine aircraft and Su-33 and MiG-29K maritime fighters. This was the largest Russian naval exercise in the Mediterranean Sea of the post-Cold War era and the largest Russian post-Cold War naval exercise in the far sea zone. In terms of distant location and number of capital ships participating it's comparable only to June 2021 exercises of the Pacific Fleet off the Hawaii islands.

In 2019, the task force was temporarily strengthened by Northern Fleet's cruiser Marshal Ustinov (22 August{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12248793@egNews |title=Крейсер "Маршал Устинов" вошёл в Средиземное море |website=mil.ru |date=22 August 2019 |access-date=5 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184250/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12248793@egNews |url-status=live }}–30 October and 18 December{{cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-naval-ship-enters-mediterranean-waters/ |title=Russian naval ship enters Mediterranean waters |work=AMN |date=18 December 2019 |access-date=8 January 2020 |archive-date=22 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222163943/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-naval-ship-enters-mediterranean-waters/ |url-status=dead }}–28 January 2020{{cite web |url=https://rg.ru/2020/01/28/rossijskij-flot-provel-rotaciiu-korablej-v-sredizemnom-more.html |title="Адмирал Эссен" на хвосте у "Флориды" |website=rg.ru |date=28 January 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709203250/https://rg.ru/2020/01/28/rossijskij-flot-provel-rotaciiu-korablej-v-sredizemnom-more.html |url-status=live }}), destroyers Vice-Admiral Kulakov (December 2019–January 2020) and Severomorsk (11 August 2018–3 May 2019) and frigate {{ship|Russian frigate|Admiral Gorshkov||2}} (10{{cite web |url=https://rg.ru/2019/03/10/reg-szfo/fregat-admiral-gorshkov-s-raketami-kalibr-vyshel-v-atlantiku.html |title=Фрегат "Адмирал Горшков" с ракетами "Калибр" вышел в Атлантику |website=rg.ru |date=10 March 2019 |access-date=5 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709215300/https://rg.ru/2019/03/10/reg-szfo/fregat-admiral-gorshkov-s-raketami-kalibr-vyshel-v-atlantiku.html |url-status=live }}–20 March{{cite web |url=https://sdelanounas.ru/blogs/118307/ |title=Фрегат "Адмирал Горшков" идёт в Китай |website=sdelanounas.ru |date=20 March 2019 |access-date=5 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183134/https://sdelanounas.ru/blogs/118307/ |url-status=live }}).

In 2020, the task force was temporarily strengthened by Northern Fleet's cruiser Marshal Ustinov (18 December 2019–28 January 2020) and destroyer Vice-Admiral Kulakov (December 2019–January 2020 and 6 August{{cite web |url=https://structure.mil.ru/structure/forces/navy/news/more.htm?id=12305799@egNews |title=БПК "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" отработал поиск подводных лодок в Бискайском заливе |website=mil.ru |date=6 August 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190330/https://structure.mil.ru/structure/forces/navy/news/more.htm?id=12305799@egNews |url-status=live }}–8 November{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12323516@egNews |title=БПК "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" вышел в Атлантику |website=mil.ru |date=8 November 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183152/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12323516@egNews |url-status=live }}), as well as Baltic Fleet's frigate Yaroslav Mudry (March–April).

The mainstay of the Squadron were Black Sea Fleet's frigates Admiral Grigorovich (28 February{{Cite news |url=https://sudostroenie.info/novosti/29525.html |title=Фрегаты "Адмирал Макаров" и "Адмирал Григорович" направились в Средиземное море |date=28 February 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190341/https://sudostroenie.info/novosti/29525.html |url-status=live }}–26 June{{cite web |url=https://rg.ru/2020/06/26/reg-ufo/fregat-chf-admiral-grigorovich-nachal-vozvrashchenie-v-sevastopol.html |title=Фрегат ЧФ "Адмирал Григорович" начал возвращение в Севастополь |website=rg.ru |date=26 June 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709191727/https://rg.ru/2020/06/26/reg-ufo/fregat-chf-admiral-grigorovich-nachal-vozvrashchenie-v-sevastopol.html |url-status=live }} and 29 December 2020{{Cite news |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12332502@egNews |title=Отряд кораблей Балтийского флота зашел в Средиземное море |date=29 December 2020 |access-date=26 June 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=25 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625143146/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12332502@egNews |url-status=live }}–8 May 2021{{Cite news |url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/05/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk192021.html |title=Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk19/2021 |date=16 May 2021 |access-date=26 June 2021 |language=en |archive-date=12 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712015000/https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/05/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk192021.html |url-status=live }}), Admiral Essen (21 December 2019{{Cite news|url=https://iz.ru/956886/2019-12-21/fregat-admiral-essen-napravilsia-k-beregam-sirii-s-kalibrami|title=Фрегат "Адмирал Эссен" направился к берегам Сирии с «Калибрами"|date=21 December 2019|access-date=6 July 2021|language=ru|archive-date=11 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711072417/https://iz.ru/956886/2019-12-21/fregat-admiral-essen-napravilsia-k-beregam-sirii-s-kalibrami|url-status=live}}–11 April{{Cite news |url=https://regnum.ru/news/society/2913513.html |title=Фрегаты "Адмирал Макаров" и "Адмирал Эссен" пришли в Севастополь |date=11 April 2020 |access-date=6 July 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=12 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712015002/https://regnum.ru/news/society/2913513.html |url-status=live }} and 29 September{{Cite news |url=https://tvzvezda.ru/news/20209291225-nUOWl.html |title=Фрегат "Адмирал Эссен" взял курс на Средиземное море |date=29 September 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=12 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712014959/https://tvzvezda.ru/news/20209291225-nUOWl.html |url-status=live }}–28 December{{Cite news |url=https://portnews.ru/news/306951/ |title=Фрегат "Адмирал Эссен" прошёл пролив Босфор и зашёл в Чёрное море |date=28 December 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=12 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712015001/https://portnews.ru/news/306951/ |url-status=live }}) and Admiral Makarov (28 February–11 April{{Cite news |url=https://regnum.ru/news/2913513.html |title=Фрегаты "Адмирал Макаров" и "Адмирал Эссен" пришли в Севастополь |date=11 April 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=12 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712014959/https://regnum.ru/news/2913513.html |url-status=live }} and 24 June{{Cite news |url=https://iz.ru/1027535/2020-06-24/fregat-admiral-makarov-voidet-v-sostav-vmf-v-sredizemnom-more |title=Фрегат "Адмирал Макаров" усилит группировку ВМФ в Средиземном море |date=24 June 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711105517/https://iz.ru/1027535/2020-06-24/fregat-admiral-makarov-voidet-v-sostav-vmf-v-sredizemnom-more |url-status=live }}–19 October{{Cite news |url=https://vesti92.ru/news/flot/fregat-admiral-makarov-vozvraschaetsya-iz-sredizem/ |title=Фрегат "Адмирал Макаров" возвращается из Средиземного моря в Севастополь |date=19 October 2020 |access-date=4 July 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=12 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712015001/https://vesti92.ru/news/flot/fregat-admiral-makarov-vozvraschaetsya-iz-sredizem/ |url-status=live }}).

In 2021, the task force was temporarily strengthened by Baltic Fleet's corvette {{ship|Russian corvette|Stoikiy||2}} (29 December 2020{{Cite news|url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12332502@egNews|title=Отряд кораблей Балтийского флота зашел в Средиземное море|date=29 December 2020|access-date=26 June 2021|language=ru|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625143146/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12332502@egNews|url-status=live}}–19 April 2021{{Cite news |url=https://flot.com/2021/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%B414/ |title=Отряд корвета "Стойкий" миновал Гибралтарский пролив и вышел в Атлантику |date=19 April 2021 |access-date=26 June 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516192313/https://flot.com/2021/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%B414/ |url-status=live }}), Northern Fleet's frigate Admiral Kasatonov (14 January{{Cite tweet |last=Parody |first=David |user=dparody |number=1349655299607715840 |date=14 January 2021 |title=Russian Navy busy this week through the Strait of Gibraltar...}}–1 April{{cite news |title=The frigate Admiral Kasatonov went to the Atlantic |date=1 April 2021 |publisher=TASS |url=https://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12352082@egNews |access-date=25 June 2021 |archive-date=25 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625152821/https://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12352082@egNews |url-status=live }}) and destroyer Vice-Admiral Kulakov (18 August{{Cite web|url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12377966@egNews|title=Большой противолодочный корабль "Вице-адмирал Кулаков" вошёл в Средиземное море : Министерство обороны Российской Федерации|website=function.mil.ru|access-date=25 September 2021|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925215425/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12377966@egNews|url-status=live}}–23 September{{Cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/09/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk382021.html|title=Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk38/2021|access-date=25 September 2021|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925215424/https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/09/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk382021.html|url-status=live}}) and Black Sea Fleet's cruiser Moskva (18 June{{Cite news |url=https://flot.com/2021/%D0%A7%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%A4%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%8236/ |title=Крейсер "Москва" и фрегат "Адмирал Эссен" направились в Средиземное море |date=18 June 2021 |access-date=19 June 2021 |language=ru |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203338/https://flot.com/2021/%D0%A7%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%A4%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%8236/ |url-status=live }}–5 July{{Cite news|url=https://www.militarynews.ru/story.asp?rid=0&nid=552728&lang=RU|title=Группировка российских кораблей в Черном море усиливается на фоне учений Sea Breeze|date=5 July 2021|access-date=5 July 2021|language=ru|archive-date=5 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705100028/https://www.militarynews.ru/story.asp?rid=0&nid=552728&lang=RU|url-status=live}}). In the summer, corvette Gremyashchiy and submarines Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Volkhov transited the Mediterranean Sea on their way from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

The mainstay of the Squadron were Black Sea Fleet's frigates Admiral Grigorovich (24 December 2020–8 May 2021 and 28 October{{Cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/10/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk432021.html|title=Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk43/2021|access-date=23 November 2021|archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123195159/https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/10/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk432021.html|url-status=live}}–), Admiral Makarov (2 May{{cite news |title=В Средиземное море вошел фрегат ВМФ РФ "Адмирал Макаров" |date=2 May 2021 |publisher=intefax.ru |url=https://www.interfax.ru/world/764386 |access-date=26 June 2021 |archive-date=26 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626045719/https://www.interfax.ru/world/764386 |url-status=live }}–13 August{{Cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/08/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk322021.html|title=Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk32/2021|access-date=12 October 2021|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027182510/https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/08/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk322021.html|url-status=live}}) and Admiral Essen (18 June–5 July and 7 August{{Cite web|url=https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/12080497|title=Фрегат Черноморского флота направили в Средиземноморье|date=7 August 2021|access-date=12 October 2021|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027183437/https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/12080497|url-status=live}}–30 October{{Cite web|url=http://flot.com/2021/%CF%EE%F5%EE%E435/|title=В Севастополе встретят фрегат "Адмирал Эссен" после миссии в Средиземном море|website=Центральный Военно-Морской Портал|access-date=7 December 2021|archive-date=11 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011110849/https://flot.com/2021/%CF%EE%F5%EE%E435/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/12807739|title=Фрегат "Адмирал Эссен" ЧФ возвращается из Средиземного моря в Севастополь|access-date=1 November 2021|archive-date=1 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101140656/https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/12807739|url-status=live}}).

On 25 May 2021, three Tu-22Ms maritime bombers were deployed to the Khmeymim airbase in Syria for the first time.{{cite news |title=Tu-22M3 bombers' presence in Syria aims to stabilize situation, says Russian lawmaker |date=25 May 2021 |publisher=TASS |url=https://tass.com/defense/1293717 |access-date=26 May 2021 |archive-date=26 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526070059/https://tass.com/defense/1293717 |url-status=live }} The deployment took place after a significant boost in NATO amphibious capability in the Mediterranean earlier in 2021. French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has left Toulon for a deployment in the Persian Gulf via the eastern Mediterranean in mid-February.{{Cite web|url=https://www.varmatin.com/vie-locale/le-porte-avions-charles-de-gaulle-va-appareiller-de-toulon-a-la-mi-fevrier-640612|title=Le porte-avions Charles-de-Gaulle va appareiller de Toulon à la mi-février|date=4 February 2021|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=4 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004153821/https://www.varmatin.com/vie-locale/le-porte-avions-charles-de-gaulle-va-appareiller-de-toulon-a-la-mi-fevrier-640612|url-status=live}} American aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower conducted an exercise with the French helicopter carrier Tonerre off Greece in March{{Cite web|url = https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/depart-de-la-12eme-mission-jeanne-darc|title = Départ de la 12ème mission Jeanne d'Arc|date = 19 February 2021|access-date = 25 June 2021|archive-date = 26 May 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210526092743/https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/depart-de-la-12eme-mission-jeanne-darc|url-status = live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.c6f.navy.mil/Press-Room/News/News-Display/Article/2534214/uss-dwight-d-eisenhower-conducts-interoperability-exercise-with-hellenic-armed/|title=USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Conducts Interoperability Exercise with Hellenic Armed Forces|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=23 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723222935/https://www.c6f.navy.mil/Press-Room/News/News-Display/Article/2534214/uss-dwight-d-eisenhower-conducts-interoperability-exercise-with-hellenic-armed/|url-status=live}} and, in May, British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth embarked on a maiden voyage to the Indian Ocean via the Mediterranean, where it will hold exercises with Charles de Gaulle.{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2021/april/26/210426-csg21-deployment|title=Carrier Strike Group deployment to visit 40 countries|website=www.royalnavy.mod.uk|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429125922/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2021/april/26/210426-csg21-deployment|url-status=live}}

On 25 June 2021, two anti-ship interceptors MiG-31K, armed with Kinzhal missiles were deployed to Khmeymim airbase for the first time{{cite news |title=Россия впервые перебросила в Сирию носители гиперзвуковых ракет МиГ-31К |date=25 June 2021 |publisher=ria.ru |url=https://ria.ru/20210625/mig-31k-1738528143.html |access-date=25 June 2021 |archive-date=25 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625024217/https://ria.ru/20210625/mig-31k-1738528143.html |url-status=live }} and fired Kinzhal in an exercise the same day.{{cite news|title=Истребители с ракетами "Кинжал" поразили "противника" в Средиземном море|date=25 May 2021|publisher=ria.ru|url=https://ria.ru/20210625/kinzhal-1738596388.html|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625111817/https://ria.ru/20210625/kinzhal-1738596388.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://avia.pro/news/istrebitel-mig-31k-nanyos-udar-giperzvukovoy-raketoy-kinzhal-po-neizvestnoy-celi-v-sirii|title=Истребитель МиГ-31К нанёс удар гиперзвуковой ракетой "Кинжал" по неизвестной цели в Сирии|website=avia.pro|date=29 June 2021|access-date=2 July 2021|language=ru|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182427/https://avia.pro/news/istrebitel-mig-31k-nanyos-udar-giperzvukovoy-raketoy-kinzhal-po-neizvestnoy-celi-v-sirii|url-status=live}} They participated in a large-scale anti-ship exercise, which included cruiser Moskva, frigates Admiral Essen and Admiral Makarov and submarines Stary Oskol and Rostov-on-Don, three bombers Tu-22M3, as well as anti-submarine aircraft Il-38 and Tu-142.{{cite news|title=Russian naval ships, aircraft kick off drills in Mediterranean|date=25 June 2021|publisher=tass.com|url=https://tass.com/defense/1307151|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625090128/https://tass.com/defense/1307151|url-status=live}}

The newest air defence system S-500 was reportedly tested at Khmeymim airbase and obtained a lock on a F-35 fighter from the HMS Queen Elizabeth.{{cite web|url=https://avia.pro/news/neizvestnaya-sistema-pvo-razmeshchyonnaya-na-aviabaze-hmeymim-perepugala-nato|title=Неизвестная система ПВО, размещённая на авиабазе "Хмеймим", перепугала НАТО|date=1 July 2021|access-date=2 July 2021|website=avia.pro|language=ru|archive-date=2 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702051845/https://avia.pro/news/neizvestnaya-sistema-pvo-razmeshchyonnaya-na-aviabaze-hmeymim-perepugala-nato|url-status=live}} The exercise included rocket fire 30 km away from the HMS Queen Elizabeth.{{cite web|url=https://frontierindia.com/russia-to-conduct-rocket-fire-30-km-away-from-the-british-aircraft-carrier/|title=Russia to conduct rocket fire 30 km away from the British aircraft carrier|date=26 June 2021|access-date=2 July 2021|website=frontierindia.com|language=en|archive-date=26 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626031346/https://frontierindia.com/russia-to-conduct-rocket-fire-30-km-away-from-the-british-aircraft-carrier/|url-status=live}} The exercise took place during the deployment of the British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth to the Eastern Mediterranean and have coincided with aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower reentering the Mediterranean Sea after three months in the Indian Ocean through the Suez Canal on 1 July.{{cite web|url=https://news.usni.org/2021/07/06/carrier-uss-dwight-d-eisenhower-in-the-med-after-3-months-in-the-middle-east|title=Carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Med After 3 Months in the Middle East|date=6 July 2021|access-date=7 July 2021|website=usni.org|language=en|archive-date=7 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707031114/https://news.usni.org/2021/07/06/carrier-uss-dwight-d-eisenhower-in-the-med-after-3-months-in-the-middle-east|url-status=live}}

On 16 November, British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth reentered the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal.{{Cite web|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-carrier-strike-group-transiting-suez-canal/|title=British Carrier Strike Group transiting Suez Canal|first=George|last=Allison|date=16 November 2021|access-date=23 November 2021|archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123200919/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-carrier-strike-group-transiting-suez-canal/|url-status=live}} Since the only Russian large surface combatant present in the area Admiral Grigorovich was in the western Mediterranean Sea, taking part in Russo-Algerian naval exercise between 16 and 17 November, it's unclear whether Russia sent any ship at all to shadow the aircraft carrier, except for the airplanes.{{Cite web |last=Haynes |first=Deborah |date=19 November 2021 |title=Russia paying 'close attention' to UK's flagship aircraft carrier after F-35 jet crashes into sea |url=https://news.sky.com/story/russian-aircraft-buzzed-royal-navy-aircraft-carrier-says-defence-minister-as-sea-search-continues-for-ditched-stealth-fighter-12472082 |website=Sky News |access-date=23 November 2021 |archive-date=23 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123200917/https://news.sky.com/story/russian-aircraft-buzzed-royal-navy-aircraft-carrier-says-defence-minister-as-sea-search-continues-for-ditched-stealth-fighter-12472082 |url-status=live }}

On 23 November, Admiral Grigorovich was already reported off Tartus.{{Cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/11/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk472021.html|title=Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk47/2021|access-date=23 November 2021|archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123200916/https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/11/russian-forces-in-mediterranean-wk472021.html|url-status=live}}

In 2022, the Russian Navy operated in the Adriatic Sea for the first time since 1995 Volk's deployment amid US bombardment of Bosnia and Herzegovina.{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2djiD3mDXz4 | title=Russian Navy in the Adriatic sea. Why? | website=YouTube | date=31 August 2022 }} In late July, destroyer Admiral Tributs operated off Šibenik, intelligence ship Vasily Tatishchev operated near island Palagruža, cruiser Varyag operated near Durrës, while frigate Admiral Grigorovich remained just outside the Adriatic Sea. As the US carrier Truman was located in the Adriatic Sea at the same time, there were reports in media about Russian warships simulating blocking the US carrier in the Adriatic Sea.

In August 2022, Russia deployed Severodvinsk to the Mediterranean Sea, making it the first Russian nuclear submarine in the Mediterranean since Kursk and Tomsk in 1999.{{cite web | url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/09/new-intelligence-russia-sends-nuclear-submarine-to-mediterranean/ | title=New Intelligence: Russia Sends Nuclear Submarine to Mediterranean | date=2 September 2022 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.slobodenpecat.mk/en/najmokjnata-ruska-nuklearna-podmornica-vplovi-vo-mediteranot/ | title=The most powerful Russian nuclear submarine has sailed into the Mediterranean - Free Press | date=5 September 2022 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBG9MWQfsG8 | title=Russian Sub Ops Special Briefing: Severodvinsk Enters Med | website=YouTube | date=4 September 2022 }}

In conjunction with a build-up of Russian forces around Ukraine and in Belarus, Russia began to reinforce the task force in the Mediterranean toward the end of 2021. The principal movements involved the deployment of two Slava-class cruisers - Marshal Ustinov from the Northern Fleet and Varyag from the Pacific Fleet - to the Mediterranean, together with additional escorts.{{Cite web|url=https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/02/black-sea-fleet-deployments-wk062022.html|title=Black Sea Fleet deployments-Wk06/2022|access-date=5 March 2022|archive-date=15 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215144618/https://russianfleetanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/02/black-sea-fleet-deployments-wk062022.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Vavasseur |first=Xavier |date=7 February 2022 |title=Russia Sends Slava-class Cruiser Ustinov in the Mediterranean |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/02/russia-sends-slava-class-cruiser-ustinov-in-the-mediterranean/ |website=Naval News |access-date=5 March 2022 |archive-date=4 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304121351/https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/02/russia-sends-slava-class-cruiser-ustinov-in-the-mediterranean/ |url-status=live }} At the same time, the submarine Rostov Na Donu returned to the Black Sea from the Mediterranean just prior to the outbreak of hostilities.{{Cite web |last=Sutton |first=H. I. |date=8 February 2022 |title=6 Russian Warships And Submarine Now Entering Black Sea Towards Ukraine |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/02/6-russian-warships-and-submarine-now-entering-black-sea-towards-ukraine/ |website=Naval News |access-date=5 March 2022 |archive-date=4 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304011118/https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/02/6-russian-warships-and-submarine-now-entering-black-sea-towards-ukraine/ |url-status=live }}

The movements strengthened Russian anti-surface group capabilities in the Mediterranean prior to the outbreak of war. Simultaneously, Bastion-P anti-ship missile batteries were installed at the Russian base in Syria to improve its defensive capabilities.{{Cite web|url=http://www.hisutton.com/Russia-Med-BS-2022-02-17.html|title=H I Sutton - Covert Shores|website=www.hisutton.com|access-date=5 March 2022|archive-date=18 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218091835/http://www.hisutton.com/Russia-Med-BS-2022-02-17.html|url-status=live}}

On 28 February 2022, four days after the outbreak of hostilities, Turkey indicated that it was closing the Dardanelles Straits to all foreign warships for the duration of the conflict. Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, argued that the move was consistent with terms of the Montreaux Convention of 1936. An exception would be allowed for Russian ships returning from the Mediterranean to Black Sea bases where they were registered. The move limited Russia's ability to reinforce its naval units in the Mediterranean from the Black Sea though it also effectively confined NATO naval forces to the Mediterranean.{{Cite web |last=Ozberk |first=Tayfun |date=28 February 2022 |title=Turkey closes the Dardanelles and Bosphorus to warships |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/02/turkey-closes-the-dardanelles-and-bosphorus-to-warships/ |website=Naval News |access-date=5 March 2022 |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306000601/https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/02/turkey-closes-the-dardanelles-and-bosphorus-to-warships/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Çetiner |first=Yusuf |date=3 March 2022 |title=Blocking The Bosphorus - Turkey Implements The Montreux Convention |url=https://www.overtdefense.com/2022/03/03/turkey-implements-the-montreux-convention-regarding-the-regime-of-the-straits/ |website=Overt Defense |access-date=5 March 2022 |archive-date=3 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303204148/https://www.overtdefense.com/2022/03/03/turkey-implements-the-montreux-convention-regarding-the-regime-of-the-straits/ |url-status=live }}

• Captain of the First Rank {{ill|Yuri Zemsky|ru|Земский, Юрий Станиславович}} (2013–2014)
• Captain of the First Rank Aleksandr Okun (2015–2016)
• Captain of the First Rank Pavel Yasnitsky (2016–?)
• Captain of the First Rank Pavel Prosekov (interim) (2020–present){{cite web|url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12322094@egNews|title=В сирийском Тартусе состоялось торжественное открытие бюста выдающегося русского флотоводца адмирала Фёдора Ушакова|trans-title=The grand opening of the bust of the outstanding Russian naval commander Admiral Fyodor Ushakov took place in Syrian Tartus|date=30 October 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227211016/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12322094@egNews|archive-date=27 December 2021}}

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Russian fleet}}

Category:Military units and formations established in 2013

Category:2013 establishments in Russia

Category:Russia–Syria relations

Category:Naval units and formations of Russia

Category:Russian fleets