Russian naval task force off the Syrian coast

The Varyag guided-missile cruiser is leading the Russian naval group off the Syrian coast.

The Vice-Admiral Kulakov, an Udaloy-class destroyer, which is assigned to the Russian Northern Fleet, is currently part of this naval group.

The warships are armed with anti-submarine, anti-ship missiles and sea-based air defense system, known as Kinzhal (NATO reporting name SA-N-9 Gauntlet).

The naval group is tasked with providing air defence to Russian military planes stationed at the Hmeymim airbase in the Syrian province of Latakia.

Helicopters based on the warships are used for search & rescue, as well as for locating enemy subs.

Varyag and Admiral Kulakov are keeping close to the shore to help protect Russian warplanes after Turkey downed a Russian jet in November, 2015.