EU's Kallas urges member states to boost Aspides mission in Red Sea

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called on EU countries to bolster naval support for Operation Aspides, the European mission in the Red Sea. The mission, aimed at securing the strategically vital maritime route connecting the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal, has been grappling with a small and insufficient naval presence.

Currently, the operation consists of only three to six vessels, a number deemed inadequate by Kallas and others. Kallas and other officials are pushing for an increase to more than 10 ships to effectively safeguard the critical Red Sea passage and protect the energy trade, which has been experiencing soaring costs. This push for reinforcement dates back to September 19, following Italy's request to address the rising threats from Houthi attacks in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto had previously raised concerns about the limited number of EU vessels available for escort duty, noting that only two EU country vessels were present at the time. Kallas emphasized the need for more adequately equipped naval and air assets to enhance protection and fulfill the mission's mandate.

The EU is considering reinforcing Operation Aspides with additional ships and aircraft to safeguard the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from escalating Houthi threats. Greece currently holds strategic command of the mission, with Italy and Greece jointly running operations. The EU defense ministries are expected to discuss the issue during a meeting on Monday, with another meeting scheduled for October 12.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has previously urged the EU to contribute both militarily and financially to the mission's reinforcement.