Portuguese Navy on Alert as Russian Warships Pass Near National Waters.

According to information published by the Portuguese MoD on January 3, 2025, the Portuguese Navy has been actively monitoring the movements of five vessels from the Russian Federation.
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Russian Navy Project 775 Ropucha-class landing ship RFS Aleksandr Shabalin. (Picture source: Portuguese MoD)

The fleet includes the amphibious ship Aleksandr Shabalin, logistical support ships Baltic Leader, Sparta II, and General Skobelev, as well as the submarine Novorossiysk. While the surface vessels have already passed into the Mediterranean Sea, the submarine continues to navigate within Portugal's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The operation involves coordination and tracking managed by the Navy's Maritime Operations Center, supported by assets such as the frigate NRP Álvares Cabral, the patrol vessel NRP Setúbal, and the fast patrol boats Orion and Cassiopeia.

Russian Navy

As of January 2025, the Russian Navy's presence and activities in the Mediterranean Sea have undergone significant changes, influenced by geopolitical shifts and strategic recalibrations.

Following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Russia has initiated a partial withdrawal of its military assets from Syria. Satellite imagery has revealed preparations at the Khmeimim airbase, including the dismantling of equipment such as Ka-52 attack helicopters and S-400 air-defense systems. While Russia retains its key bases at Khmeimim and the naval facility in Tartus, the future of these installations is under negotiation with Syria's new authorities.

In response to the evolving situation in Syria, Russia is negotiating with Libyan military leader Khalifa Haftar to relocate its naval assets and military equipment to Libya. The port city of Tobruk is being considered as a new base of operations. This strategic move aims to maintain Russia's influence in the Mediterranean region despite the loss of its Syrian stronghold.

Recent incidents have highlighted the challenges faced by Russian naval operations in the Mediterranean. Notably, the Russian cargo ship 'Ursa Major' sank off the coast of Spain following an explosion in its engine room. The vessel was reportedly on a secret mission, possibly transporting military equipment from Syria.

Despite these developments, Russia maintains a naval task force in the Mediterranean. As of late 2024, this force comprised six vessels, including missile corvettes, an anti-submarine warfare ship, a reconnaissance ship, a supply tanker, and a floating shipyard.

Russia's naval strategy in the Mediterranean has traditionally focused on projecting power and challenging NATO's maritime dominance. The recent shifts, including the potential relocation to Libya, indicate an effort to preserve this strategic posture despite setbacks in Syria.