Unveiling the Silent Shadow in the Eastern Mediterranean: An Analysis of Tug 119 and the Kilo II Submarine
- RFN- OS
- 40 minutes ago
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The waters of the Eastern Mediterranean have long been a stage for military maneuvers, and a recent maritime intelligence analysis has focused on an unusual but significant duo: the Tug 119 and the Russian diesel-electric Kilo II-class submarine, the Novorossisk. Although the submarine's precise location is unknown, it is presumed to be operating within the support radius of the Tug 119, which acts as a "silent shadow," providing essential logistical support.
Following the loss of full access to the Tartus naval base in Syria, Russian naval forces have been compelled to seek new support options. In this context, Egypt has taken on a crucial role, offering its ports as a staging point. It's within this scenario that the recent activities of the Tug 119 are particularly noteworthy.
A Highly Probable Port Call in Alexandria
It's highly probable, though not officially confirmed, that the Tug 119 made a port visit to Alexandria. The certainty lies in the fact that the vessel ceased transmitting its position data during a specific timeframe. This radio silence is a telltale sign of a probable port call, with Alexandria being the most logical location, given the tug's previously and subsequently recorded positions. This operational pattern suggests a strategic necessity for resupply and maintenance, an important window for the Novorossisk and its support vessel.
Tug 119 Activity Log from July 15
Continuous monitoring of the Tug 119's activities has allowed us to outline a possible timeline of events and operations:
July 15 - 20: The Tug 119 arrives in the Alexandria area, likely to prepare for the submarine's arrival and establish a secure operational zone. During this period, the vessel may have conducted reconnaissance or waited for the submarine in a designated area.
July 22 - 27: As indicated by the cessation of its public tracking, the Tug 119 was likely moored in the port of Alexandria, coinciding with the Novorossisk's stop. This stay enabled critical operations such as refueling, resupply, and potential technical checks or repairs.
July 28 - August 7: After leaving the Egyptian port, the Tug 119 moved to an unspecified operational area in the Eastern Mediterranean. Its current position is not public, but it's believed to be continuing its role as a logistical shield for the Novorossisk, providing long-range support and ensuring the continuity of its missions in a strategic area.
In conclusion, the ongoing patrols of the Tug 119 are not just routine navigation but a clear indication of Russian submarine presence and activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. Its consistent presence is the visible signal of a naval strategy that leverages flexibility and logistical support to maintain a projection of force, even without a permanent naval base in the region. The future activities of this support vessel will be crucial for anticipating the next moves of the Novorossisk and, more broadly, the Russian fleet in an area of global strategic importance.
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