Russian naval activity in the Strait of Gibraltar has surged by 50% this year
raising concerns among Spanish and NATO forces. The Spanish Navy reports that hundreds of Russian vessels
including warships and submarines, have been passing through Spanish waters. This significant increase in traffic is believed to be related to Russia's ongoing military
operations. Many of these ships are thought to be transporting weapons and military equipment
from Baltic ports like Kaliningrad and St. Petersburg to Russia's naval base in Tartus
Syria. The 17-kilometre-wide Strait of Gibraltar has become a crucial passage for these vessels
The shift in Russian naval routes comes as a result of Turkey's decision to largely block
Russian naval ships from transiting the Bosphorus Strait between the Black Sea
and Mediterranean. In response, Moscow has turned to Arctic and Baltic routes
leading to this increased activity near Gibraltar. This surge in Russian naval presence has not gone unnoticed
The Spanish Navy, along with NATO allies, has been closely monitoring these movements
Spanish frigates and other vessels have been tracking Russian warships and submarines
as they pass through Spanish waters. Commander Alfredo Rodriguez of the Spanish patrol ship Vajia confirmed
shadowing two Russian assault ships earlier this year. The Spanish Navy, in cooperation with NATO allies France and Portugal
is responsible for ensuring that Russian vessels comply with the rules of innocent passage
when transiting through the Mediterranean. These rules allow foreign ships to pass through
territorial waters as long as they do not threaten peace or security
Submarines are required to surface, and warships must maintain a steady course without stopping
or deviating. These monitoring operations, known as presence, surveillance and deterrence, are conducted under the command of Spain's maritime operations based in Cartagena
Murcia. NATO forces work together to track potential threats, with countries taking turns to monitor Russian vessels as they pass through the region
The increased Russian naval activity in the Strait of Gibraltar highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the strategic importance of this waterway
As Russia continues to maintain its military presence in Syria, the need for equipment
transport, crew rotation and ship repairs necessitates these maritime movements. This development underscores the complex dynamics of international naval operations
and the vigilance required to maintain security in critical maritime passages