Russian warships in Mediterranean retreat: Smaller but still lethal with Kalibr missiles

The Defense Romania portal reports that the Russian squadron in the Mediterranean is composed of the Ufa submarine, the Admiral Grigorovich frigate, the Mercury corvette, the Kama tanker, as well as the Orekhovo-Zuevo and the Kildin research vessels. However, it's relevant to mention that the Russian Federation's operational naval group usually deploys up to 15 ships in the Mediterranean region. The six vessels shown in the recent satellite image seem to suggest a reduction in Russia's naval forces, implying a group unable to stand against NATO forces.

Nevertheless, it's important to point out that the current number of Russian ships in the Mediterranean still represents a threat, due to their capacity to carry Kalibr maneuvering rockets (notably deployed by the Admiral Grigorovich, Orekhovo-Zuevo, and Ufa vessels). In addition, the Ufa and Mercury units are relatively new additions to the Russian service, having only been commissioned in 2023.

Those aforementioned Kalibrs, which Ukrainians frequently warn about when Russian ships sail into the Black Sea waters, are among the most dangerous missiles currently in the possession of the Russian Federation. They are carried, in part, by the Admiral Grigorovich type frigates and can also be launched from submarines.

Kalibr missiles offer a significant range in several different variations. The best of these can travel a distance exceeding 0.93 miles (3M14 variant), while the anti-ship version (3M54) can reach a distance of up to 435 miles.

An essential feature of the Kalibr missiles is their inertial navigation combined with an active radar-guided system. These missiles also feature satellite navigation and DSMAC systems. This combination of targeting capabilities ensures a launched Kalibr missile not only has a long reach from the launch platform but also hits a given target accurately. Depending on its payload, either conventional or nuclear, it can cause considerable destruction.