Italian Navy Frigate Shadows Russian Kilo-Class Submarine in Mediterranean NATO Operation.

The Italian Navy’s Carlo Bergamini-class frigate ITS Virginio Fasan is actively shadowing the Russian Kilo-class submarine Krasnodar in the central Mediterranean Sea as part of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two operations. This direct encounter highlights the intensifying power contest between NATO and Russia, underscoring the region's geopolitical volatility as both navies maneuver for advantage in these strategically sensitive waters.

According to information released by NATO Maritime Command on January 26, 2026, the Italian Navy frigate ITS Virginio Fasan is conducting persistent surveillance of the Russian Navy’s Project 636.3 Kilo-class attack submarine Krasnodar while deployed with Standing NATO Maritime Group Two. NATO officials confirmed the submarine is transiting the central Mediterranean under escort by the Udaloy-class destroyer Severomorsk and additional Russian naval support vessels. This underscores not only the intensity of undersea and surface monitoring but also the broader contest for undersea dominance in the region, carrying wider implications for deterrence and escalation.
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Russian naval group comprising the Kilo-class submarine Krasnodar and its escorts, including the destroyer Severomorsk, transiting southeast of Sicily. The formation was tracked by the Italian Navy frigate ITS Virginio Fasan. (Picture source: NATO Maritime Command)

The Krasnodar is a modern Russian Project 636.3 Improved Kilo-class submarine, known for its stealth and armed with Kalibr cruise missiles. Severomorsk, a Udaloy-class destroyer, provides anti-submarine protection with advanced sensors and helicopters.

It's Virginio Fasan, as part of Italy's FREMM frigate program, is equipped for anti-submarine operations with advanced sonar, torpedoes, and air defense systems. This engagement highlights NATO’s focus on maritime surveillance and deterrence.

The current encounter is part of a broader operation conducted by SNMG2, one of NATO’s four permanent multinational maritime groups. SNMG2 is a high-readiness force tasked with ensuring freedom of navigation, collective defense, and real-time maritime situational awareness across NATO's southern maritime flank. It operates primarily in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. It is a core component of the NATO Response Force (NRF), providing a flexible naval presence during peacetime, crisis, or conflict. Comprising vessels from multiple Allied navies, SNMG2 also supports NATO’s counter-terrorism, embargo enforcement, and partnership missions in the region.

Italy’s contribution to SNMG2 has become increasingly central to NATO naval operations in the Mediterranean. The Italian Navy not only contributes frontline frigates such as the Fasan, but also offers staff officers, logistical support, and command leadership. This central role, amplified by Italy’s geographic position, is strategically vital as Russia deepens its naval footprint in the region, elevating Italy’s influence in shaping NATO’s response, readiness, and deterrence posture.

The presence of the Krasnodar in these waters is more than routine. Since its combat debut in 2017, when it launched Kalibr cruise missiles from the Mediterranean into Syria, the submarine has become a key instrument in Russia’s projection of long-range strike capabilities outside its traditional operating zones. In the context of 2026, this deployment reflects a strategic push to challenge NATO’s maritime dominance and assert influence over vital infrastructure. Russia’s intensification of naval posture, including intelligence-gathering near undersea fiber-optic cables, oil infrastructure, and NATO fleet activity, raises the risk of broader confrontation over vital interests.

Defense analysts suggest that Moscow’s strategy includes using conventional submarines such as the Krasnodar for multi-role missions: strategic messaging, signals intelligence collection, and, if necessary, pre-positioned deterrent posturing against NATO maritime forces. The deployment of the Severomorsk alongside the submarine amplifies that signal. According to publicly available tracking data and imagery reviewed by Army Recognition and regional intelligence partners, the Russian naval group was last observed transiting southeast of Sicily, heading toward the eastern Mediterranean, possibly toward Tartus.

NATO planners have long viewed Russian submarine activity in the Mediterranean as a significant threat vector. Unlike the North Atlantic, the confined and densely trafficked Mediterranean makes anti-submarine warfare (ASW) both more complex and more urgent. Submarines like the Krasnodar could, in theory, interdict allied reinforcement convoys, threaten amphibious operations, or strike strategic land targets from unexpected positions. The integration of Russian intelligence-gathering ships, such as the suspected Project 18280-class vessel accompanying this formation, further complicates the intelligence picture and raises concerns about undersea cable security and electronic warfare activity.

The Mediterranean Sea, once dominated by NATO naval superiority, has become an increasingly contested space where underwater operations, electronic warfare, and strategic signaling intersect. Russia’s efforts to reassert maritime influence highlight the region’s renewed importance in shaping the balance of power. NATO’s vigilant presence through SNMG2 is a strategic demonstration to adversaries and allies alike that the alliance is committed to defending its interests and countering potential challenges to maritime stability and security.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.