Portuguese Navy monitors Russian Federation ships in the Mediterranean and EEZ
As 2024 came to a close, the Portuguese Navy launched an operation in the Mediterranean Sea and along its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to monitor five Russian vessels.
In brief
The Portuguese Navy has been monitoring five Russian Federation vessels in the Mediterranean Sea and along Portugal's exclusive economic zone since 31 December 2024. Under observation are the landing ship Aleksandr Shabalin and the logistics vessels Baltic Leader, Sparta II and General Skobelev, while the submarine Novorossiysk was tracked along the exclusive economic zone. The Portuguese Maritime Operations Centre deployed the frigate NRP Álvares Cabral, the patrol vessel NRP Setúbal and the fast patrol boats Orion and Cassiopeia. The operation was the 73rd monitoring mission of the Portuguese Navy in 2024.
Portuguese navy operation in response to Russian activities
The Portuguese Navy has undertaken an operation to monitor five vessels from the Russian Federation since December 31, 2024. This group includes the amphibious ship Aleksandr Shabalin, logistical support vessels Baltic Leader, Sparta II, and General Skobelev, currently navigating the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, the submarine Novorossiysk has been tracked while operating along Portugal’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
To ensure effective monitoring, the Portuguese Maritime Operations Centre has deployed the frigate NRP Álvares Cabral, the offshore patrol vessel NRP Setúbal, and the rapid patrol boats Orion and Cassiopeia. These assets are tasked with accompanying and supervising the activities of the Russian vessels.
This mission underscores Portugal’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime spaces and fulfilling international obligations within the framework of the Atlantic Alliance. The operation also highlights the Navy’s role in protecting critical national infrastructure and ensuring security in areas under its jurisdiction.
This latest deployment is part of a broader operational effort, marking the Navy’s 73rd monitoring mission of 2024. The Portuguese Navy remains on constant alert to uphold the defence and security of maritime areas 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Source: Marinha Portuguesa / Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Bartosz Piątek
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