The Portuguese Navy has been monitoring five Russian military vessels near its shores since December 31, ensuring the security of the nation’s maritime space.
According to a statement shared by the Navy on January 3, the ships include the landing ship Alexander Shabalin, logistics support vessels Baltic Leader, Sparta II, and General Skobelev, which are currently in the Mediterranean Sea. The submarine Novorossiysk has also been tracked moving along Portugal’s exclusive economic zone.
This mission is part of the Navy’s broader operational efforts and marks the 73rd such monitoring mission in 2024.
“The Navy’s activities in monitoring and observation ensure the protection and security of the maritime space under our national sovereignty, jurisdiction, and responsibility. It contributes to safeguarding Portugal’s interests and critical infrastructure while simultaneously fulfilling our international obligations under the North Atlantic Alliance,” the Navy stated.
The Portuguese fleet’s consistent monitoring reflects its commitment to national security and its role in upholding NATO responsibilities, particularly in light of heightened attention to Russian naval movements in European waters.
