The frigate Cristobal Colon (F-105) has been monitoring the activities of several naval units of the Russian Federation in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Navy ship remains in the assigned patrol zone east of Cyprus, sailing in international waters.
Specifically, Cristobal Colon has taken charge of a Russian naval group composed of two frigates of the Admiral Gorshkov class, and one of the Admiral Grigorovich class, as well as the Kilo II class submarine that was in the area to carry out naval exercises with the other Russian surface units.
The frigate also detected the presence of several Russian aircraft, which were conducting joint training with Russian Navy units. Fighter aircraft, helicopters and patrol aircraft were observed.
Among the activities carried out by these units is the launching of several surface-to-surface hypersonic missiles.
The purpose of these patrols is to demonstrate NATO’s presence in an area of special interest to the Alliance, such as the Mediterranean Sea; to guarantee freedom of navigation; and to maintain an adequate level of deterrence. In this context, the ‘Cristóbal Colón’, during the monitoring of the Russian exercises, collaborated with various aircraft and ships from different allied countries.