Russia May deploy Nuclear-Powered Combat Vessels At Syrian Naval Base

Russia will be deploying up to 11 warships, including nuclear-powered combat vessels, at the Tartus naval facility in Syria.

The 49-year agreement allowed Russia to simultaneously deploy at the Tartus naval maintenance facility a maximum of 11 warships, including combat vessels equipped with nuclear-powered propulsion systems, and under condition that all ecological and nuclear safety requirements have been fulfilled.

According to a Russia-Syria agreement posted on Russian government's legal information portal on Friday, Russia pledges to inform about the arrival of its warships to Tartus with a 12-hour prior notice.

In addition, Russia will have the right to deliver and store any type of weaponry and ammunition at the Tartus facility to ensure its proper functioning and defenses, Deutsche Welle reported.

The 49-year agreement allowed Russia to dredge the Mediterranean port, install floating berths and carry out repair works. They would then be able to keep 11 warships, including nuclear-powered ships, in the port of the east Syrian city.

Russia would hold sovereignty over the territory, which up to the agreement could only hold two mid-sized ships.