The Royal Netherlands Navy deployed an oceanic patrol vessel and an NH90 maritime attack helicopter to maintain constant surveillance of the Russian submarine Novorossiysk during its passage through the Dutch Exclusive Economic Zone. The Russian vessel, originating from the Syrian port of Tartus, was accompanied northward by the corvette Boikiy.

Dutch Ministry of Defence – Koninklijke Marine

According to the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the Royal Navy deployed its Friesland P842, a Holland-class patrol vessel. The operation also included one of the Navy’s NH90 helicopters, which captured the images featured in the report. “…Russian units sail through the mentioned zone with increasing frequency. Internationally agreed transit rights apply here. However, the Netherlands shadows such vessels to emphasize vigilance and gather information…,” detailed the Dutch Ministry of Defence.

The movements of the Novorossiysk submarine were closely tracked by several NATO countries. Since being forced to leave Tartus, Russia has had to abandon the presence of conventional submarines in the Mediterranean Sea. Speculation suggests that Moscow might deploy—or has already deployed—a nuclear-powered submarine to maintain its naval presence in the Mediterranean, addressing this capability gap following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

The Novorossiysk is the lead vessel of the upgraded Project 636.3, representing the latest development of the Kilo-class conventional submarines. With a submerged displacement of 3,100 tons, these submarines boast a 45-day endurance and the capability (in some units) to deploy Kalibr cruise missiles. These features have proven highly valuable for the Russian Navy in strategic areas such as the Mediterranean, as demonstrated during operations against Ukraine since the 2022 invasion.

Dutch Ministry of Defence – Koninklijke Marine

Although monitoring Russian ships is routine for NATO navies and air forces, recent incidents in the Baltic Sea have heightened concerns. Following deliberate damage to critical underwater infrastructure, NATO has bolstered surveillance in the Baltic to prevent further actions by hostile actors that could degrade allied nations’ infrastructure.

“…Since July 2023, escorting Russian ships and submarines in the North Sea has been a permanent task of the Navy…,” the Dutch Ministry of Defence concluded, underscoring the deteriorating relations between Europe and Moscow due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Cover Image: Dutch Ministry of Defence – Koninklijke Marine

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