Russian Aircraft Carrier Group to Call at Ceuta for Refueling

26 October 2016 23:36 Rubric: Russia, World

After passage of the Strait of Gibraltar, the Russian Navy’s aircraft carrier group led by the heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov will call at the Spanish port of Ceuta, northern Morocco, for refueling, reported Spanish newspaper ABC referring to a source in the national defense ministry.

"Some ships or submarines escorting the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov will call at the port of Ceuta after the 10-day long voyage [from Severomorsk – editor’s remark], Interfax cited the source. A Spanish foreign ministry’s spokesman declined to comment that news. "We cannot disclose that information at the moment", he told The Spain Report, confirming, however, that Russian battleships visit Ceuta on a regular basis.

Airwing drills of Admiral Kuznetsov in the Atlantic

BMPD

According to ABC, Ceuta is a Spanish autonomy not covered by the NATO’s "umbrella". Thus, calls of foreign naval ships at Ceuta are allowed, and the alliance treaty is not violated, emphasizes the periodical. Since 2012, over 50 Russian Navy’s ships have visited Ceuta to replenish fuel, supplies, and let the crews have rest.

The Northern Fleet’s aircraft carrier group headed for the Mediterranean Sea on October 15. The task force includes heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov, heavy nuclear-powered battlecruiser Pyotr Veliky, destroyers Severomorsk and Vice-Admiral Kulakov, and auxiliary ships.