EU urgently needs to increase ships in Operation ASPIDES in Red Sea, Kallas says

The EU urgently needs to increase the number of ships in Operation ASPIDES in the Red Sea, primarily to escort merchant vessels through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas told journalists before an EU defense ministers' meeting in Brussels, according to Report's European Bureau.

"We need different types of ships, but mostly we need ships capable of escorting vessels through Bab-el-Mandeb," Kallas said.

According to her, when ASPIDES was created, it was expected to feature at least 10 ships, which is currently not the case. While no concrete new commitments have been made by EU member states yet, Kallas expects additional offers during the meeting.

Kallas also suggested temporarily reallocating ships that member states have already pledged to another international format-a coalition led by France and the UK created to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz-that is not yet fully operational.

"My question is whether these ships can be directed to Operation ASPIDES, which is currently fully operational, and later, when the coalition becomes operational, they can transfer there," she stated.

The EU is increasing its focus on maritime security in the region amid a deteriorating situation in the Red Sea. Kallas previously called on EU member states to provide the operation with additional naval and air assets, warning that the situation around Bab-el-Mandeb could evolve rapidly and unpredictably, directly affecting European interests.

Operation ASPIDES was established in February 2024 to safeguard freedom of navigation and protect commercial vessels from attacks in the Red Sea and adjacent waters. Its tasks include escorting ships, monitoring the maritime environment, and defending against attacks.

The Council of the EU extended the operation's mandate until February 28, 2027. Its area of operation encompasses the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf.

Ministers will also discuss the broader situation in the Middle East during the meeting. Kallas noted that regional developments are interconnected and require a comprehensive approach, taking into account threats originating from Iran.