EU boosts Aspides naval mission in Red Sea amid rising threats

The European Union is seeking to strengthen its naval presence in the Red Sea by deploying more warships to the Aspides mission, which escorts commercial vessels through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea amid growing threats to shipping from increased Houthi militia attacks.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc has "called on member states to provide more warships" for the mission, noting that Aspides needs at least 10 ships to fulfill its tasks.

Kallas acknowledged that the EU does not currently have the required number of ships, stating, "We do not have that number at the moment, but we are working to reach it," in comments to Agence France-Presse during her visit to Beirut.

She added that "the list of vessels needing escort is growing," and pointed out that member states have already begun providing additional ships to enhance the mission's ability to meet rising demands.

Kallas explained that Belgium will join the efforts with new ships, while two other member states are either providing or actively considering providing additional vessels to strengthen Aspides' capacity to escort ships requiring protection.

The EU foreign policy chief emphasized that "maritime security is clearly one of our priorities," stressing the EU's determination to "help ensure the continued flow of navigation through the Red Sea."

Last month, the EU raised the alert level for its naval mission after the Houthi militia escalated attacks and took control of parts of the western coast overlooking the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The EU launched the Aspides mission in 2024 to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea following previous Houthi attacks on vessels in the area. The mission previously revealed that 260 ships have requested protection and escort since the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels began, while it continues to monitor security developments in Bab al-Mandab and the surrounding region.

Bab al-Mandab is a key route for global trade, linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The Red Sea is also a vital part of the maritime route connecting Asian and European markets via the Suez Canal.

Houthi attacks have disrupted shipping in the region, prompting several global shipping companies to reroute their vessels away from the Red Sea via longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing transport and insurance costs and extending journey times.