The naval aviation component of the Russian Black Sea Fleet has taken on a particularly important role in fleet operations in recent weeks and is trying to respond to threats on the southern flank of the war in Ukraine, according to a report of the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland published on the X social media on Monday morning.

"Naval Aviation is emphasising maritime air patrol operations, highly likely with a primary mission of the early identification of uncrewed surface vessels. A key Russian asset in these operations is the Be-12 MAIL amphibious aircraft, designed in the 1950s, flying out of bases in occupied Crimea. Su-24 FENCER and FLANKER variant combat jets conduct maritime strike operations, including at least one recent air strike on the strategically located Snake Island," the intelligence said.

According to British intelligence, due to threats to Sevastopol, the occupiers will most likely relocate most of the fleet from this city to Novorossiysk. Therefore, Russia is trying to use naval aviation to maintain control over the northwestern part of the Black Sea.