The Permanent task force of the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean Sea () is a task force of the Russian Navy responsible for projecting Russian power in the Middle East through the Mediterranean Sea. The Soviet Navy's 5th Operational Squadron had fulfilled a similar role between its formation in 1967, and its deactivation on 31 December 1992. The permanent task force was established in 2013. Permanent task force of the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean Sea In September 2013, the Russian Ministry of Defence re-established a fleet in the Mediterranean using a combination of ships from the Black Sea Fleet and Northern Fleet stationed in Syria. It has been reported to comprise 15 warships and auxiliary vessels with vessels from the Baltic Fleet also providing contingents for operations in the region. Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War With the start of the military operation of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria on 30 September 2015, the formation took part in this operation, covering the airborne forces of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria and the Khmeimim Air Base at which it is deployed. The main objective of the formation was to ensure the activities of the Russian troops in Syria. Presently, it continues to facilitate and replenish Russian forces stationed there and also help out with any search and rescue operations in its area of responsibility. Component Vessels As of 2020, Russian naval units in the Mediterranean regularly included: 2 Improved Kilo-class submarines (drawn from the Black Sea Fleet ostensibly en route for maintenance in the Baltic to comply with provisions of the Montreux Convention; but remaining for prolonged periods in the Mediterranean); Up to 2 nuclear-powered submarines (drawn from the Northern Fleet when deployed); Major surface combatants (drawn from the Black Sea Fleet and on rotation from the Northern or Baltic Fleets); Light Corvettes/Offshore Patrol/mine countermeasures Vessels (principally drawn from the Black Sea Fleet); Ropucha-class and Alligator-class landing ships (principally from the Black Sea Fleet but on occasion may also be drawn from other fleets) providing logistic support and re-supply for the Russian naval facility in Tartus; Support vessels and specialist auxiliary vessels; and, Light patrol/anti-saboteur vessels (for security at the Tartus naval facility). Naval units can be supported by aircraft operating from the Khmeimim Air Base in Syria. Units deployed have included Tu-22M3 Backfire bombers as well as Su-24s, Su-35s, MiG-31s and Tu-142MK and Il-38 anti-submarine