The European Union's naval mission in the Red Sea requires more than 10 warships to effectively counter escalating threats, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. She stated that the current situation is more grave than when the Operation Aspides was initially planned, necessitating a bolstered presence to protect vital trade routes.
The Red Sea is a critical chokepoint for global energy and trade, and increased Houthi threats risk disrupting supply chains and exacerbating already high energy prices in Europe, impacting economic stability and the EU's credibility as a security guarantor.
The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, stated on Monday that the bloc's naval mission in the Red Sea, Operation Aspides, requires more than 10 warships to effectively address the escalating threats. Kallas indicated that the current situation is more grave than when the mission was initially planned, necessitating an increased presence to safeguard vital trade routes.
In a letter dated September 19, 2026, Kallas urged EU member states to contribute more naval and air assets to the region. This request follows concerns raised by Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto after an Italian frigate escorted a merchant vessel off the coast of Yemen. Kallas emphasized the need for more suitably equipped assets, including greater capacity for close protection, to ensure the operation can fully carry out its mandate.
The Houthis' seizure of the port of Mocha, Perim Island, and the Hanish Islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is seen as a serious threat to maritime security and European interests, impacting supply chains and potentially the ability to sustain economies already affected by rising fuel prices. While the Houthis claim to target only interests linked to Saudi Arabia, uncertainties remain regarding their actions towards ships transiting the strait.
Operation Aspides, launched in February 2024, is a defensive mission authorized to use force to protect merchant vessels. Italy and Greece have provided the mission's core ships, with temporary support from Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium. EU defense ministers are scheduled to discuss the issue on September 28, followed by a Foreign Affairs Council meeting on October 12.
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