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In recent hours, NATO Standing Naval Maritime Group 2 has been closely monitoring a small Russian naval formation operating in the Mediterranean Sea. According to a tweet released today, the Italian Navy frigate ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) is shadowing the Russian Kilo-class submarine Krasnodar (K-148), escorted by the destroyer Severomorsk (619). At this stage, these units appear to represent the entirety of Russia’s active naval presence in the Mediterranean, a fact that carries both operational and strategic significance. We are watching
In the Mediterranean Sea, #SNMG2 ship ITS Virginio Fasan monitors and shadows the Russian Kilo-class submarine Krasnodar, with escorts including Russian destroyer Severomorsk, demonstrating NATO’s vigilance, situational awareness, and commitment to security… pic.twitter.com/SB6OWSEvt6— NATO Maritime Command (@NATO_MARCOM) January 26, 2026 The interaction took place in international waters of the Mediterranean, where SNMG2 units routinely conduct surveillance and maritime security tasks. The operation involved continuous tracking and monitoring rather than interception, underlining NATO’s emphasis on situational awareness and transparency. The presence of an Italian frigate at the forefront of this activity also highlights Rome’s central role in Alliance naval operations in the region. What stands out is not only the professionalism of the NATO response, but the limited scale of the Russian deployment. As of today, the submarine Krasnodar and its surface escort Severomorsk are assessed to be the only Russian naval assets currently operating in the Mediterranean basin. This marks a significant contraction compared to previous years, when Moscow maintained a more substantial and diverse standing force in the area, often including multiple submarines, frigates, and logistical support vessels. The Krasnodar, a diesel-electric Kilo-class submarine, remains a capable platform, particularly for covert patrols and potential land-attack roles. However, operating with a single escort underscores the constraints currently facing the Russian Navy. Maintenance issues, redeployments to other theaters, and the broader operational strain of ongoing commitments elsewhere appear to be limiting Moscow’s ability to sustain a robust Mediterranean presence. ITS Virginio Fasan From NATO’s perspective, the situation offers both reassurance and a reminder. Reassurance, because the reduced Russian footprint simplifies monitoring and lowers the immediate risk of complex naval interactions. A reminder, because even a small number of assets — especially submarines — can still pose meaningful challenges in terms of detection and tracking, particularly in a crowded and strategically vital maritime environment like the Mediterranean. The operation also sends a clear signaling message. By publicly acknowledging the shadowing activity, NATO emphasizes that Russian movements are observed in real time and that allied naval forces remain alert. This communication aspect is increasingly important, serving deterrence and reducing the risk of miscalculation by making surveillance activities visible and routine. In broader terms, the episode reflects a shifting balance in the Mediterranean. Today, NATO navies maintain a persistent, multinational presence, while Russia’s role appears more episodic and constrained. Whether this reduced footprint is temporary or indicative of a longer-term trend will depend on developments beyond the region, but for now, the Mediterranean is being patrolled under a clear framework of allied control and awareness. For the time being, the message is straightforward: Russia is present, but in limited strength, and NATO is watching closely.

Source: https://www.itamilradar.com/2026/01/27/ ... avy-units/