Russia announces naval exercises in the Mediterranean off the coast of Cyprus

Russian authorities have issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing live-fire naval exercises off the east coast of Cyprus. The exercises are scheduled for various dates throughout April, taking place between 5:00 and 15:00 in an area stretching toward the Russian-operated Tartus naval base in Syria. Despite speculation following the 2024 collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime, the Tartus base remains under Russian operational control. In October, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa confirmed to Vladimir Putin that Syria intends to honor existing military agreements, ensuring the continued use of Tartus and the Khmeimim airbase. This Russian announcement follows a series of competing NOTAMs issued by Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot authorities regarding US and Turkish military activity in the region. The existing notices, effective until Sunday, cover airspace near Ercan airport and waters near the Karpas peninsula. The Russian NOTAM serves as a warning that the designated maritime area will be dangerous for navigation during the specified hours. Authorities advise all personnel involved in flight operations to exercise caution in the area.