HC Deb 18 December 1968 vol 775 cc378-9W
47. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, what he estimates is the present Russian deployment in the Mediterranean and East of Suez, in the Middle Eastern Area.

Mr. Healey:

The Soviet Mediterranean Naval Squadron at present comprises:

  • 1 Cruiser;
  • 7 Destroyers or Escort Vessels;
  • 7 Submarines;
  • 2 Landing Ships;
  • 2 Submarine Depot Ships and other supporting auxiliaries.

There are no Soviet Naval vessels at present in Arabian Waters.

There are no units of the Soviet Army or Air Force in the Mediterranean or in the Middle East outside the Soviet Union itself. There are several thousand Soviet technicians and advisers with the armed services of countries in the Near and Middle East.