Russian Naval Escort Operation – August 5, 2025

A Russian military convoy is currently underway in the Mediterranean exit zone, west of Tenes, Algeria, involving:

🔹 SPARTA (Russian-flagged merchant vessel)

🔹 GENERAL SKOBELEV (Russian-flagged tanker/oil vessel)

🔹 DADNA BASE / BOIKY 532 (Steregushchiy-class corvette, Russian Navy)

According to AIS tracking data, the Steregushchiy-class corvette Boiky (hull number 532) is actively escorting the merchant vessel SPARTA and the tanker GENERAL SKOBELEV as the group transits westward at a speed of ~11 knots on heading 260°. The last port call for SPARTA includes a confirmed stop in Tartus, Syria, where it conducted loading/unloading operations—presumably related to military equipment or logistics.

The presence of a surface combatant escort for civilian vessels is a clear indicator of sensitive or high-value cargo, potentially including military hardware or dual-use equipment, underscoring the strategic importance of this convoy to the Russian Federation.

🛰️ The escort operation highlights the ongoing Russian military logistics activity in the Mediterranean, with Tartus remaining a critical naval logistics hub. The direct involvement of Boiky 532 points to the convoy’s elevated operational security requirements.

📍 Current Position: North of Tenes, Algeria

⛴️ Last departure: Gulei, China (SPARTA - Aug 3, 19:40 UTC)

🛑 Destination: Unreported / Not available via AIS

⚠️ During a previous return from the Mediterranean, a shadow fleet vessel joined the convoy mid-transit. Merchant traffic in the area should be closely monitored — a similar insertion of an untracked or sanctioned vessel could occur again. #MaritimeSecurity #OSINT

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Assessment:This movement fits the profile of ongoing Russian efforts to maintain and protect military supply chains between domestic production centers and forward bases (i.e., Tartus). The active escort by a navy warship signals cargo of strategic relevance, possibly linked to Syria-based operations or restocking post-deployment assets.