EU evaluates enhancement of Aspides maritime security mission in the Red Sea

With the worsening of the energy crisis in Brussels they are evaluating the hypothesis of a strengthening of the European naval operation Aspides in the Red Sea: it would be a further step to allow it to operate also in Hormuz. A strategy that remains delicate, however, with the risk of transforming a defensive operation into an active intervention - with close escorts or direct actions against threats - ending up dragging Europe into the conflict.

A hypothesis welcomed by Vice-Premier Antonio Tajani, who said he was ready to 'strengthen the mission to protect trade' both Italian and continental, while maintaining the red line of direct involvement in Hormuz. The first distingues came from Berlin. The naval mission 'has not been effective' even 'in the Red Sea', cut short German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, saying he was 'very sceptical' that an extension of the range of action could guarantee greater security.

Its name, from the ancient Greek aspís, means 'shield'. Its units escort merchant ships and guard one of the most strategic passages of world trade: the maritime corridor connecting the Strait of Hormuz to the Suez Canal. Established in February 2024 as a European response to Houthi rebels' attacks on commercial traffic, Aspides has a defensive character and a mandate that will last at least until March 2027. Brussels earmarked EUR 42 million to launch it, alongside the other naval operations already present in the region: Atalanta, active since 2008 against piracy off the coast of Somalia, and Emasoh/Agenor, launched in 2020 at the instigation of Paris for the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and today with limited surveillance tasks.

Aspides' operational area is wide and includes the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf. Around 12% of global trade, almost 30% of container traffic between Asia and Europe and a significant share of energy supplies to the European continent pass through these waters. Approximately 10% of the world's seaborne oil transport passes through the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb.

The mission deployment includes an average of three naval vessels, five air assets (including patrol aircraft and drones) and approximately 640 military personnel. The naval units rotate according to the contributions of member states and are usually frigates or destroyers. The ships operate with embarked helicopters and advanced radar to monitor threats. Italian units deployed in the mission include the destroyers Caio Duilio and Andrea Doria and the frigates Virginio Fasan and Federico Martinengo.