Red Sea mission needs more than 10 warships: EU

The European Union's naval mission to safeguard shipping in the Red Sea requires more than 10 warships, according to the mission's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas. Currently, there are only six warships operating under the EU's Aspides mission, launched in 2024 to counter attacks by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis. Kallas emphasized that the situation has "become even more grave" as the Houthis have made rapid advances along the Red Sea coast, further complicating shipping routes.

The region's strategic significance, including the Strait of Hormuz, has already seen a decline in traffic due to the US-Iran war.

Italy, a key partner in the Aspides mission, has announced plans to deploy its naval assets to the area, stating that it cannot wait for the EU to respond to the escalating crisis. Kallas stressed that the Houthi attacks are adversely affecting European interests and the global economy. She argued that the EU's Aspides operation is vital for regional security and global shipping, but it requires additional naval and air assets to counter the heightened threat levels.

Kallas conveyed her concerns to the EU's 27 member states via a letter sent on September 19, urging them to enhance their contributions. She highlighted that the evolving situation is already impacting European interests, supply chains, and the ability of European economies to recover, even as they grapple with rising fuel prices. While the Houthis have reportedly targeted only Saudi-linked interests, their potential to harm vessels in the Strait of Hormuz remains a significant concern.