Over the eastern Mediterranean, in neutral waters, an activity of American strategic air tankers KC-135R Stratotanker, which is not typical for the region, has been noticed. It is assumed that their presence may be related to the operation to detect the Russian low-noise diesel-electric submarine of Project 636.3, which is searching for and reconnaissance of targets, using the "sneaking" mode (moving at minimum speed).
The search operations are concentrated in the vicinity of a strategically important object — the Souda Bay naval base, which is considered a joint base for NATO forces and the Greek Navy on the island of Crete.
Radio-hydroacoustic buoys of models AN/SSQ-53F, AN/SSQ-62 and AN/SSQ-125, the total number of which in transport and launch systems can reach 120 units, can be used for the search.
Submarines of Project 636 "Varshavyanka" (according to NATO codification — Improved Kilo) are a type of multi-purpose diesel-electric submarines. Originally developed as an export version, they are in service with China, Algeria, Vietnam and Russia.
Earlier www1.ru reported that India requested additional missiles for the S-400 air defense system from Russia.