Russia is considering deploying a permanent naval task force in the Mediterranean Sea. Such a task force will be commanded by the Black Sea Fleet and could consist of up to 10 combat and auxiliary ships deployed on rgathered from three Russian fleets. The deployment of Russian warships in the Mediterranean had been a subject of planning for some time, to secure the country’s interests in the region. Russian warships have been deployed near Syria for the past six months. The vessels could rely on ports in Cyprus, Montenegro, Greece and Syria as resupply points.
The Soviet Union maintained the 5th Mediterranean Squadron in the Mediterranean Sea from 1967 until 1992. It was formed to counter the US Navy 6th Fleet during the Cold War, and consisted of 30-50 warships and auxiliary vessels at different times.
