The Russian Slava-class guided missile cruiser Varyag has been deployed on alert near the Syrian coast, providing air defense for the Hmeymim base used in Moscow's counterterrorism operation in the war-torn Middle Eastern state.

The Pacific Fleet's flagship substituted its Black Sea counterpart Moskva in early January. Russia has been conducting a military operation against terrorists in Syria since September 30 at the request of President Bashar Assad.