Russian Navy frigate Admiral Kasatonov returns to Severomorsk after 130-day deployment

Add Zona Militar on Google

Why add us? Get the latest updates from Zona Militar in your Google feed.

After spending 130 days deployed and covering more than 27,000 nautical miles, the Russian Navy frigate Admiral Kasatonov returned to its home port of Severomorsk, in the Murmansk region, on Monday. Its arrival ended an extended deployment during which the vessel operated in several maritime theatres before rejoining the Northern Fleet at its main base.

👉 Read more: U.S. Air Force Declares Initial Operational Capability for New MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopter to Strengthen Nuclear Arsenal

Admiral Kasatonov returns to Severomorsk

On reaching Severomorsk, the crew was received by Northern Fleet Commander Admiral Konstantin Kabantsov, who awarded medals and certificates to personnel involved in the deployment. In accordance with a Russian Navy custom, the frigate's commanding officer also received a roasted piglet during the return ceremony.

Kabantsov stated that the frigate had undertaken strategic deterrence tasks in operationally significant areas, defended Russian maritime economic interests, assisted in protecting freedom of navigation, and helped reinforce relations with states Moscow considers partners. He also praised the crew's preparation, teamwork and professionalism, together with the dependable performance of the vessel's weapons and onboard systems during the deployment.

📌 You may also like

• UK monitored the Russian Navy's latest live-fire exercise conducted off its coastline
• The U.S. Air Force deploys B-52H bombers to Australia to reinforce the Indo-Pacific

According to the Northern Fleet commander, Admiral Kasatonov completed every assigned task successfully, despite what he characterised as a time of increased geopolitical tension for Russia. Kabantsov further suggested that the frigate may carry out additional long-range deployments in the near future.

Ports of call and Mediterranean presence

While the Russian Navy did not reveal all the ports and operational areas visited during the 130-day deployment, one of its most prominent calls was at Oran, Algeria, where Admiral Kasatonov was accompanied by the medium sea tanker Akademik Pashin. The visit again underscored the close defence ties between Moscow and Algiers. Algeria operates a submarine force comprising Kilo and Kilo II-class boats and has recently started operating Su-57E stealth fighters, making it the aircraft's first foreign operator.

A further important phase came as Admiral Kasatonov passed through the Strait of Gibraltar and into the Atlantic. After the frigate's departure, Russian warships were no longer present in the Mediterranean, a situation not seen since 2013.

This development is largely associated with the Russian Navy losing access to the Syrian port of Tartus as a permanent support facility, along with Turkey's decision to close the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits to warships involved in the Russia-Ukraine war under the Montreux Convention.

Russian Navy Project 22350 frigates

Meanwhile, the Russian Navy is continuing to enlarge its fleet of Project 22350 frigates. Admiral Kasatonov is one of three vessels from the class now in service, alongside Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Golovko. The fleet is set to expand again with the eventual entry of Admiral Gromov, construction of which began in May this year.

Images used for illustrative purposes.