Satellite Images Expose russian Naval Strategy: 3 Corvettes and 3 Landing Ships
OSINT analyst MT Anderson has publicly released satellite images of Novorossiysk port, captured on June 10 and 11, 2024. These images enable a detailed assessment of two key aspects: the movement of russian Black Sea Fleet ships to the Sea of Azov under the guise of “training transitions”, and the protective measures implemented by the russian military to safeguard their vessels at the Novorossiysk base against potential Ukrainian air and sea drone attacks.
Firstly, the satellite images confirm the relocation of three Project 21631 Buyan-M missile corvettes – Vyshniy Volochyok, Ingushetia, and Grayvoron – from the russian Black Sea Fleet to the Sea of Azov. These ships likely departed Novorossiysk between June 5 and 6, 2024. Meanwhile, two other surface vessels armed with the Kalibr missiles, specifically two Project 11356 frigates, remain stationed at the base.
Additionally, the images reveal the departure of three large landing ships from Novorossiysk: Orsk (Project 1171), Georgiy Pobedonosets and Kaliningrad (Project 775). It is noted that the Kaliningrad ship has temporarily relocated to Sevastopol, suggesting that the first two landing ships have actually moved to the Sea of Azov.
Regarding security measures at Novorossiysk, the only discernible tactic is the relocation of ships within the harbor every 24 hours. The efficacy of this strategy is unclear. For vessels in the Sea of Azov, it appears the russian military might depend on the Crimean Bridge as a substantial physical barrier to counter potential attacks by Ukrainian kamikaze boats.
Furthermore, new images have emerged following a mysterious strike on russian barge and tugboat near Taganrog. These images provide a clearer view of the damage, fueling speculation about the type of weaponry that may have been employed in the attack.
