EU launches Red Sea naval mission to protect shipping from Houthi attacks

The operation will send European warships and early warning systems to the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters.

The European Union has launched a naval mission to protect cargo ships in the Red Sea from attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the decision to deploy Naval Force Operation Aspides on Monday on X, saying, “Europe will ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, working alongside our international partners.”

“Beyond crisis response, it’s a step towards a stronger European presence at sea to protect our European interests.”

The naval mission will send European warships and airborne early warning systems to the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters.

Italian Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed the launch during a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels, Belgium, calling it “an important step towards common European defence”.