EU boosts Aspides naval mission in Red Sea amid rising threats
The EU is increasing warship deployments for its Aspides mission to protect commercial vessels in the Red Sea as Houthi threats escalate.
The European Union is bolstering its naval mission, Aspides, in the Red Sea as threats from Houthi militia groups intensify. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that the bloc is urging member states to contribute more warships to the mission, which currently operates with insufficient vessels to meet the growing demand.
The European Union has already dispatched 260 ships for protection and escort since the escalation of Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the region. The mission, launched in 2024, aims to ensure the safety of commercial shipping through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea, which serve as crucial trade routes connecting Asian and European markets.
Belgium and two other member states are contributing additional vessels to strengthen Aspides' capacity to escort protected ships. Kallas emphasized that maritime security is a top priority for the EU and stressed the organization's commitment to maintaining the flow of navigation through the Red Sea.
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