EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for the number of warships taking part in the Aspides mission in the Red Sea to be increased to more than 10, stressing that the forces currently available are insufficient to confront escalating threats and protect commercial shipping in the region.
Kallas calls for more Aspides ships
Kallas told reporters in New York on Monday, 21 September, on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations: “When Operation Aspides was launched, the assessment was that it needed at least 10 ships, and I believe the situation has now become more dangerous.” Diplomats said six warships are currently taking part in the mission.
The European Union launched Aspides in February 2024 as a defensive operation to protect ships from Houthi attacks and extended its mandate until 28 February 2027. Kallas also asked EU countries to provide more naval and air assets.
The request comes after the Houthis made rapid advances along the Red Sea coast in recent weeks, further complicating shipping routes, amid a decline in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz due to the US war on Iran.
