The Russian military is enhancing its naval presence in the Mediterranean Sea by developing a sophisticated naval port only 130 miles from the Israeli coast. The station will moor the Black Sea Fleet, which will soon relocate there from Sevastopol in the Ukraine. Moscow and Damascus have also reached several agreements to enhance Syria’s missile and air defense forces, the Jerusalem Post and the Moscow Defense Brief reported.

The plans, part of a large arms deal between the two countries, include transforming Russia’s servicing station at Tartus into a full-fledge naval base capable of docking the largest fighting ships in its navy. According to a Kommersant source in Russia’s General Staff, Moscow intends to develop a permanently based squadron there, led by the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, the Moskva guided missile cruiser.

The squadron’s presence in Tartus “for any period of time would represent a dramatic reinforcement of Russia’s naval potential in the Mediterranean Sea, even when compared to the Cold War period,” the Moscow Defense Brief reported, adding that the squadron could be reinforced in the future by vessels from the Northern Fleet.

Russian military construction and development at Syria’s most important port, Latakia, has also escalated sharply.

Currently, U.S. forces are permanently stationed in the Mediterranean and Russian squadrons only sail in the area on a limited basis.

Besides employing its own air-defense missile system to protect the Tartus base, which would also cover a large portion of Syria itself, Russia is also sharpening Syria’s air-defense teeth by modernizing its s-125 anti-aircraft network.

The Russian Navy is also suspected of secretly providing Syria with Scud missiles.

The deal enables Russia to project its offensive power into the Mediterranean and an opportunity to flex its military muscle in the face of pressure from Washington’s proposed missile defense system. It also helps to solidify Syria’s position, which is becoming increasingly isolated, also as a result of U.S. pressure. The improved defenses and the Russian presence undermine Israel’s military options against the regime.

Israel considers Russian military expansion into Syria a direct threat. The Russian Navy is known to employ a number of spy ships, and Israeli defense officials fear a Syrian base would enable Russia to conduct electronic espionage operations, intercepting Israeli defense communications and observing new Israeli weapons systems.

Look for Russia to continue its military resurgence past Cold War-era levels. Expect Moscow to use the political leverage that a more powerful military provides to undercut Washington and Israel both in the Middle East and elsewhere. For prescient analysis on Russia’s geopolitical role, read “Is Russia Finished?” and Russia and China in Prophecy.