Russian Navy overturned information of upgrading naval base in Syria

14.01.2010
Works being performed at Russian naval base in Syrian port Tartus can not be classified as modernization, reports RIA Novosti citing anonymous representative of Russian Navy. According to the source, in 2009 RN base Tartus was under scheduled repairs which will be continued in 2010.

ITAR-TASS previously informed referring to the source in Russian Navy Main HQ that naval base in Syria was modernized at a quickened pace. According to the agency's source, the works will be completely finished in 2011. As reported, under modernization program old objects of coastal infrastructure will be repaired and new ones will be constructed.

RN base Tartus in Syria is the only Russian military base far abroad. The agreement of basing Soviet Navy in Syria was signed by the governments in 1971. According to the document, Russia pays for use of Tartus as naval base, although enjoys various privileges including simplified port call.

Maintenance center of Russian ships in Tartus is serviced by 50 mariners. There is Black Sea Fleet's workshop vessel in the port which is engaged in ship repairs. In summer 2009 a new mooring float was brought to Tartus port. Tartus is the second largest Syrian port city after Latakia and located 220 km northwest Damascus.

In Jan 2009 Gen. Col. Anatoly Nogovitsyn, Deputy Chief of General Staff said that Russia was negotiating with several countries about establishing naval bases overseas; however, he did not specified the countries. It was previously reported that apart from Tartus, Russia could found naval bases at Yemeni island Socotra and Libyan capital Tripoli in the nearest few years.

Source: Lenta.Ru, photo: RN base Tartus (Google Maps)