Russian SUB Kilo class in MED SEA
- RFN- OS
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Updated: May 3
Since December 2024, the RFN no longer has a naval base in the Mediterranean Sea. Despite this particular situation, the RFN decides to send ships and submarines in the Mediterranean.
The naval presence allows to maintain open economic and logistic relations with the partner countries of Russia which are bordering on the Mediterranean.
It also allows control of traffic to and from the Black Sea by Russian vessels.
At this time of transition, the RFN benefits from the support of some countries such as Egypt and Algeria. In the future, we may see some ships also in Libya where on several occasions they have made diplomatic visits.
From February there are new entries in the Mediterranean... a Kilo class submarine accompanied by a support ship (Krasnodar and Evgenit Churv )
The two warships made a direct voyage to the Syrian coast. During this stretch, they made a probable stop in an area north-east of Libya (Tobruk) and another one north of Egypt (Alexandria).
What happened in the previous months?
In December 2024 Krasnodar (B-265), Russian Improved ‘Kilo’-class (Project 636.3), demonstrated its operational readiness after a period in the shipyard in Kronstadt. The Russian Ministry of Defence reported on 23 December 2024 that the submarine had completed a torpedo-firing serial in the Baltic Sea, operating with support from Kaliningrad.
On 3 February 2025 the submarine Krasnodar moved through the Great Belt towards the Skagerrak strait above Denmark together with the Sliva-class deep sea tug Evgeniy Churov (SB-921).
The duo has now passed through the English Channel and, according to open sources, was outside Portuguese territorial waters to the west of the Iberian Peninsula on the morning of 11 February.
What happened after 12 February?
On 15 February, the submarine Krasnodar was sighted north of Algeria, western Mediterranean Sea along with the tugboat Evgeniy Churov.
On 17 February, the Russian submarine Krasnodar passed off the southern coast of Sicily as it continued its eastward journey. Once again, multiple NATO assets took turns monitoring its movements. (https://www.itamilradar.com/2025/02/17/eyes-still-on-the-russian-submarine/)
Multiple NATO assets took turns monitoring Krasnodar
On 24 February, they were brought back to a position north Marsa Matruh, Egypt.
Below some IR images of the two boats.
The Spanish Navy has identified the submarine Krasnodar in the eastern Mediterranean. The Spaniards did not report many details about its location and type of activity. Images showing the two boats standing still were published. Most likely they were engaged in logistic support operations. The submarine was later sighted while travelling with the tugboat to the port of Alexandria, Egypt.
Source (https://maritime-executive.com/article/spanish-navy-monitors-transit-of-russian-attack-submarine)
Port stops for logistics and handling activities
Alternatively, Algeria could provide assistance and logistical support to the RFN. The Algerian navy operates a base for its 'Kilo' submarines in Mers El-Kébir. Since these belong to the same series of Krasnodar - 'Kilo' submarines modified by project 636.3 - there could be synergies in terms of supply and maintenance.
Tobruk could be a possible Russian base in Libya. Russia has supported Khalifa Haftar, the Commander of the Libyan National Army, by providing weapons and training assistance. Moreover, Libya could be a gateway to support various Russian private Military companies in Africa.
There has also been speculation about a possible Russian naval base in the Red Sea at Port Sudan.
Conclusions
In the next article we will analyse the movements and the probable areas of activity and patrolling
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Document produced with the aid of an open source used with posts by X by: @ItaMilRadar @Romanovichphoto @te3ej @PeterFerrary)
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