EX Syrian Express - Vessel escorted by the RFN
- RFN- OS
- Mar 23
- 3 min read
Updated: May 3
The Syrian Express is the name used to describe the regular supply voyages through the Bosporus to Syria, in particular using amphibious warfare ships of the Russian Navy, that were made during the Syrian civil war (2011–2024). Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 the Turkish authorities were persuaded to implement terms of the Montreux convention, banning the passage of further military vessels through the Bosporus.(wikipedia.org)
In March 2024, Ukrainian naval drones forced the Russian Federation to halt arms shipments by sea from Novorossiysk to Syria due to the increasing threat these drones posed. This rerouting extended the delivery distance for arms shipments from 2,500 kilometers to 9,000 kilometers—an increase of 3.6 times. (defence-ua.com)
With the fall of the Syrian regime the change in nature of the Russian intervention in the Syrian civil war will lead to a further change in the nature of the traffic using this route. (wikipedia.org)
Transfers from Syria to Batico and vice versa
The transfer from Syria to the Baltic takes place in convoys with the escort of the RFN Ships.
The escort is carried out in two distinct areas:
- Mediterranean Sea
- English Channel to the Baltic Sea
The vessels are not escorted in the Atlantic Ocean along the Portuguese and French coasts.
RFN ships employed
The RFN ships that carry out the escort are:
- Mediterranean Sea: Frigates or destroyer deployed in MED/Syria:
Admiral Gorshkov class
Admiral Grigorovich class
- England Channel/Baltic Area: Frigates, corvette or destroyer present in the Baltic Sea:
Udaloy class
Steregushchiy class
"In any case, warships with defense capabilities were used despite the fact that military landing ships with their own defenses were present in the convoys."
Military personnel on board the vessels
During the transfer, in addition to the fleet of vessels, probable military personnel were also present on board. Visible on board the Vessel Baltic Leader personnel in camouflage gear, most likely employed for Force Protection.
Cargo ship Baltic Leader - 4 mar 2025
Cargo ship Baltic Leader - 4 mar 2025
During the crossing of the English Channel, a particular attitude of the Russian warship was also observed, which is usually used when crossing straits or decidedly dangerous areas... something that I think does not happen in the English Channel.
"Dramatic pictures taken by The Times from a fishing vessel show armed officers and crew maDramatic pictures taken by The Times from a fishing vessel show armed officers and crew manning machine guns on the warship, as it passed through the south of the Channel.nning machine guns on the warship, as it passed through the south of the Channel."(@globalbeaconn)
Mediterranean Sea Escort
The escort takes place from the port of Tartus to the Strait of Gibraltar and vice versa for ships without cargo and with cargo on board.
During the transit, a stop is made near Malta where the ships refuel. (Ship to Ship)
Transit in the Mediterranean Sea - Replenishment areas
English Channel to the Baltic Sea
The escort begins at the entrance to the English Channel and continues until arriving in the Baltic.
Post (by @ItaMilRadar)
The Russian ships are resupplying west of Oran from the tanker Yelnya, which has been waiting there for almost two months.
Resupplying west of Oran from the tanker Yelnya
Red Line: RFN Units - Yellow Line: Vessel
Conclusions
The ships of the Syrian Express have changed their route since March 2024.
Since December 2025, they have been carrying out a transfer of military equipment following the crisis in Syria.
The RFN adapts on every occasion, protects its material and its ships.
"Now it is not a Syria Express but an EX Syrian Express."
Comentarios