By
Gordon Duff, Senior Editor –

May 16, 2018

According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the country’s military vessels will be on permanent standby in the Mediterranean Sea due to the terrorist threat in Syria.

Russia can put 4 nuclear missiles, capable of beating any defenses, range 2500 miles, in any standard 40 foot container, on a truck, a barge or sitting at a dock. Russia can launch these missiles from any river, making them impossible to find and stop. The small ships used by Russia, even tugs and barges, places this supersonic platform within range of any potential target, an unstoppable platform the US is a decade from equaling.

“Due to the remaining threat of incursions by international terrorists in Syria, our ships carrying Kalibr cruise missiles will be constantly deployed in the Mediterranean Sea,” Putin said at a military meeting.

Speaking further, the Russian president said that the practice of distant sea campaigns and drills should continue.

“Some 102 sea campaigns by Russia’s ships and submarines are to take place,” Putin added.

At the same time, Vladimir Putin noted that Russia would continue reinforcing the maritime part of its nuclear forces to increase the role of the Russian Navy in the country’s nuclear deterrence.

March 13, 2018, saw the beginning of a Mediterranean mission by the Russian frigate Admiral Essen, which is equipped with Kalibr-NK cruise missiles, according to Ria Novosti.

During last year’s mission, the warship launched cruise missiles from the Mediterranean Sea at the positions of Daesh* militants in Syria.