According to sources cited by the weekend edition of German newspaper Die Welt, Berlin is making plans to deploy its F-124 ‘Hessen’ frigate to the Gulf of Aden in the coming month.
The Sachsen class vessel is equipped with advanced technology, including a reconnaissance radar capable of detecting multiple targets, air defense missiles, attack helicopters, anti-ship Harpoon missiles, and torpedoes. It is scheduled to depart from Germany on February 1 and head towards the Red Sea, potentially as part of a new EU maritime mission in the region.
The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden continue to experience tension due to the military operation launched by London and Washington in response to the activities of the Houthi Islamist group based in Yemen.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Hamas militant group in Gaza has prompted the Houthis to express their solidarity with the Palestinians. In response, the Yemeni group has vowed to target merchant vessels sailing through the Gulf of Aden until Israel ceases its war with Hamas.
Unfortunately, this conflict has already resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives in Gaza due to heavy Israeli bombardments.
As a result, more than 50 countries have been affected by 27 Houthi attacks on ships as of mid-January, according to Washington. In response to these attacks, the US and the UK have initiated airstrikes on numerous Houthi-related targets in Yemen.
However, Moscow has condemned these airstrikes, labeling them as “illegitimate” and highlighting that they were carried out without the permission of the UN Security Council. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused the US and the UK of attempting to turn the Red Sea into a “sea of blood.”
In contrast, Berlin has supported the military action, stating that it aligns with the principles outlined in the UN Charter. Furthermore, Germany and France are advocating for the expansion of the EU’s maritime surveillance mission in the Strait of Hormuz, known as Operation Agenor, to also cover the Gulf of Aden.
This proposed mission would involve monitoring the situation in the area and providing escort services to civilian vessels. Additionally, the EU ships would be authorized to use military force to intercept Houthi missiles and drones.
The approval of this new mission is expected to take place during a meeting of EU foreign ministers on February 19, with an official launch anticipated before the end of the same month.
