The Russian frigate "Admiral Essen" made a stop at the base point of the Russian Navy in Tartus, Syria, as part of a long-distance campaign.
"This is not the first time we demonstrate the presence of the Russian flag in this area, we control the safety of maritime traffic. It is calmer for them (Syrian sailors - TASS) when we pass by, always welcome, <...> they give signs of attention to the Russian warship," frigate commander Alexander Smirnov told reporters.
The trip of "Admiral Essen" almost in 1,3 thousand nautical miles took a little less than a week. During this time it passed through the Black Sea and crossed the Bosporus Strait into the Mediterranean. The Syrian flag was hoisted on the ship: this is the custom of sailors when entering a foreign port. As reported earlier by the press service of the Black Sea Fleet (BSF), the ship will join the permanent forces of the Russian Navy and will replace the frigate of the BSF "Admiral Makarov", performing special tasks since June 2020.
At present, there is a logistical support point for the Russian Navy ships in Tartus, which began its work back in 1977. The point in Tartus is the only reference point of the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean Sea.
"Admiral Essen" presents a new series of frigates of the project 11356P/M (the designation 11357 is also used). This is a series of multi-purpose frigates (guardrails) in the far-sea zone. They are designed to destroy surface ships and vessels, submarines and enemy ground facilities, patrol service, and guard maritime communications.
The frigates carry eight launchers of Kalibr-NK missile system. The project ships are also armed with Shtil-1, AK-630M anti-aircraft missile and artillery systems, A-190 universal 100 mm caliber artillery pieces, torpedo tubes and RBU-6000 rocket launcher. The frigate has an airstrip and hangar for an anti-submarine helicopter (Ka-27 or Ka-31).
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Creative Commons
Based on materials from TASS