Permanent task force of the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean Sea
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The permanent task force of the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean Sea (Russian: Постоянное оперативное соединение Военно-морского флота Российской Федерации в Средиземном море) is a task force of the Russian Navy responsible for projecting Russian power in the Middle East through the Mediterranean Sea.
Permanent task force of the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean Sea | |
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Active | 2013–present[1] |
Country | Russia |
Allegiance | Russian Federation |
Branch | Russian Navy |
Role | Naval warfare Amphibious warfare |
Size | 15 warships |
Headquarters | MSTP in Tartus Sevastopol Severomorsk |
Engagements | Syrian Civil War (Russian intervention) |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Captain 1st rank Pavel Prosekov (interim) |
The Soviet Navy's 5th Operational Squadron had fulfilled a similar role from its formation in 1967 to its deactivation on 31 December 1992.[2] The present permanent task force was established in 2013.[3]
In September 2013, the Russian Ministry of Defence re-established a fleet in the Mediterranean using a combination of ships from the Black Sea Fleet and Northern Fleet stationed in Syria.[1] It has been reported to comprise 15 warships and auxiliary vessels[4] with vessels from the Baltic Fleet also providing contingents for operations in the region.[5]