Shadow Support: Assessing the Role of the Churov in Russian Submarine Operations
- RFN- OS
- May 16
- 3 min read
Updated: May 27
The Tug SB-921 Evgeniy Churov
The SB-921 Evgeniy Churov is a Sliva-class (Project 712) ocean-going tug of the Russian Navy, designed to provide at-sea logistical and rescue support. It has frequently been observed escorting Russian submarines, including Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines (SSKs) such as the Krasnodar and Novorossiysk. Its presence in the Mediterranean, as reported in recent updates, may indicate a support role for Russian naval assets; however, the possibility that it is supporting a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN)—such as those of the Yasen or Akula class—requires further analysis.
Current position
Potential Support Role for an SSN
Operational Capabilities of the Churov
The Churov is an ocean tug equipped with technical assistance capabilities, limited resupply functions, and emergency support features. Historically, it has primarily operated alongside diesel-electric submarines (SSKs), with multiple documented deployments in the Mediterranean—e.g., with Krasnodar in 2025 and Novorossiysk in 2024.
SSNs, being nuclear-powered, possess significantly greater endurance and require less frequent logistical support compared to SSKs, which rely heavily on shore-based facilities for resupply and maintenance. However, a tug like the Churov could still be employed in several auxiliary roles:
Contingency Support: Providing emergency assistance or limited technical aid in the event of malfunctions during transit.
Acoustic Masking: Acting as a noise source to complicate adversary sonar detection and tracking of a nearby submarine.
Surveillance Countermeasures: Serving as a visible surface asset to facilitate covert communications or to deter close surveillance by NATO maritime patrols.
The frigate GRIGOROVICH and the TUG CHUROV on April 9, south of Crete.(@RFNOSBlog)
As part of ongoing Russian naval operations in the Mediterranean, the SB-921 Evgeniy Churov played a direct support role to the frigate Admiral Grigorovich on April 9, 2025, south of Crete. This operation involved a refueling or replenishment maneuver, underscoring the tug’s logistical utility in sustaining extended deployments of Russian surface combatants in the region. The presence of the Churov in proximity to the Grigorovich highlights its versatility in supporting both submarine and surface fleet elements, especially in a post-Tartus scenario where Russia lacks a permanent naval base for resupply. This event further confirms the strategic role of auxiliary vessels like the Churov in enabling persistent maritime operations far from home waters.
Recent Activity and Operational Context
A May 15, 2025 post on X reported that the Churov exited the English Channel, heading towards the Mediterranean.
Speculation suggests it may be providing "contingency support" for future deployments of SSNs or SSGNs (nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines) from Russia’s Northern Fleet.Russia has previously deployed SSNs in the Mediterranean, including the Yasen-class K-560 Severodvinsk, which would benefit from at-sea logistical support in the absence of a permanent base like Tartus—lost in 2024.
However, there are currently no confirmed reports of an SSN en route to the Mediterranean, and the Churov has historically been more closely associated with conventional submarines (SSKs).
Limitations
SSNs require specialized infrastructure for maintenance and resupply, which the Churov cannot provide while underway. Its role would therefore be limited to auxiliary or short-term escort functions.
The loss of TARTUS as an operational hub has significantly constrained Russia’s ability to sustain prolonged submarine operations in the Mediterranean, making it more likely that the Churov is supporting a conventional submarine or surface vessel.
Conclusion
While it is technically possible that the SB-921 Evgeniy Churov is heading to the Mediterranean to support an SSN, there is currently no concrete evidence to confirm such a mission. It is more plausible that the vessel is supporting a conventional (SSK) submarine or other Russian naval units, consistent with its past deployments. References to potential SSN support remain speculative and are likely based on previous operational patterns and the strategic need for Russia to maintain a maritime presence in the Mediterranean despite logistical constraints.
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