Brussels, 22 September, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called for more warships to reinforce the EU Red Sea military mission, saying Operation Aspides requires more than 10 vessels as security threats increase around one of the world’s most important commercial shipping corridors. Diplomats say six warships are currently operating with the mission.
EU Red Sea military mission needs more ships
Operation Aspides was launched in February 2024 as a defensive EU naval operation following repeated attacks on international shipping by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi forces.
Speaking on Monday, Kallas said the EU needed considerably more naval capacity.
“We would need more than 10 ships,” she said, according to Reuters, while acknowledging that the required number of vessels was not currently available in the region.
Kallas has urged the EU’s 27 member states to provide additional naval and air assets. The issue is expected to be discussed by EU defence and foreign ministers as governments consider how to strengthen maritime security.
Red Sea threats increase pressure on EU naval forces
The call comes as Houthi advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline add to concerns surrounding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the narrow maritime passage connecting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Italy has separately called for a stronger naval presence. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on 18 September that more ships were needed to protect navigation and criticised delays in Europe’s response. Italy is also preparing an independent naval deployment.
The European External Action Service reiterated this month that Aspides “remains firmly committed to its defensive mission”, which includes protecting commercial shipping, supporting seafarers and helping secure international sea lanes.
Operation Aspides protects commercial shipping
The scale of the mission has grown since its launch. The EU said on 24 August that Aspides had supported more than 2,390 merchant vessels and provided close protection to more than 720 ships since February 2024.
Its mandate was extended in February until 28 February 2027, with the Council of the EU allocating nearly €15 million for common operational costs from March 2026 to February 2027.
The mandate was expanded in March to include information-sharing on suspicious activity involving critical submarine infrastructure, training for Djiboutian maritime forces and cooperation with the Yemeni Coast Guard.
EU ministers to consider additional naval assets
The immediate question is whether member states will commit enough ships and aircraft to meet the requirements identified by Kallas.
With the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb forming a key trade link between Asia and Europe through the Suez Canal, Brussels says maintaining freedom of navigation remains central to protecting commercial shipping and international trade.
EU ministers are now expected to consider additional contributions as Operation Aspides continues its defensive deployment under its mandate through February 2027.
