FILE IMAGE: TARTUS
Earlier on the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted to the State Duma (lower house of parliament) an agreement with Syria on expanding the naval base in Tartus.
“The duration of the agreement is 49 years, it can be automatically prolonged for a period of 25 years in case none of the parties send a written notification to the other at least one year before a period expires concerning its intention to terminate the agreement,” the document reads, according to the Russian state-run news agency TASS.
According to the document, Russia will use joint facilities free of charge. The document addeds that the naval base has full immunity from the Syrian civil and administrative jurisdiction and its property is immune from search, seizure and other proceedings.
Make Tartus a support hub for the Black and Mediterranean Sea fleets capable of handling large tonaage ships including Kirov battle cruisers. Tarts will be well protected by Russian A2/AD defenses already deployed in Syria.
I think it would be most useful as a submarine support base.
The wars in the Mediterranean are not over. Libya is coming up. A Mediterranean fleet would need carrier support. Hopefully the carrier issues will be fixed by then.
Russia and Egypt reached an agreement whereby they can use their airbases mutually, Russian jets can use Egyptian airfields to eliminate the ISIS vermin in Libya.
Russia arranged for a great big carrier called Egypt. They signed a deal allowing Russia to use its bases for the next 5 years I think.
Diesel submarines have limited endurance, Tartus facilities would keep the diesel subs replenished for extended voyages in the Mediterranean Sea. The same applies with frigates and other smaller ships that need more frequent refueling and replenishments.
Yup. That’s what I was thinking. Next is a naval base in Egypt.