As of: February 1, 2024, 4:35 p.m
By: Nils Hinsberger
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Press
Split
The Bundeswehr frigate Hessen is ready for deployment in the Red Sea.
The ship could leave as early as next week - a decision from the EU is still pending.
Berlin – The situation in the Red Sea remains tense due to attacks by the Houthi rebels.
The militia has been attacking military and merchant ships since the beginning of October.
Due to the constant threat, some shipping companies have already announced that they no longer want to sail the route.
The route through the Red Sea is one of the most important sea routes for world trade. Goods are brought there from Asia to Europe through the Suez Canal.
The USA has been trying to secure shipping routes with an increased military presence since December with an international coalition.
In addition to the USA, other countries took part in the security initiative “Operation Prosperity Guardian”, including Great Britain, Bahrain and Canada.
This week, Europe is said to have given the green light for its own mission against the Houthi rebels, reports the
Tagesschau
.
Germany could also take part in the campaign as early as next week.
Frigate “Hesse”: Germany plans to take part in the military operation to secure merchant shipping in the Red Sea, provided the Bundestag issues a mandate after EU planning has been completed.
© Hauke-Christian Dittrich/dpa
EU plans independent naval mission in the Red Sea
Three warships are planned for deployment in the Red Sea.
In order to protect merchant ships from possible attacks, the EU also wants to provide escort aircraft, drones and helicopters.
The EU's own initiative is also necessary because, according to the
Tagesschau
, some countries do not want to place their troops under US command.
Germany would also take part in the EU naval mission with the frigate Hessen, reports the
dpa
.
Following a mandate from the Bundestag, the ship could begin operations immediately.
According to information from the
German Press Agency,
the frigate Hessen will be prepared for departure on February 8th.
This would make it possible to arrive at the site at the end of the month - if the EU's decision is available by then.
According to the Bundeswehr, the frigate Hessen is specially designed for maritime control and the escort of other ships and also has anti-aircraft missiles.
A powerful radar makes it possible for the ship to control an area the size of the entire North Sea.
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EU decision on naval mission in the Red Sea this month
“We are all concerned about shipping traffic through the Suez Canal.
Many European companies are asking us to intervene because their business models are suffering from the high costs of going through South Africa,” said the EU's high representative for foreign and security policy, Josep Borrell.
According to Defense State Secretary Siemtje Möller (SPD), a decision from the EU is expected by February 19th at the latest.
As Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (The Greens) announced, the EU is working hard to start the mission.
As soon as the EU's decision is available, there could be an accelerated referral to the Bundestag and the frigate Hessen could set off on the mission.
In addition to the German warship, according to media reports, the Netherlands and Belgium could also take part in the mission.
Support is also expected from France, Italy and Norway.
Spain will not send ships to the Red Sea due to a government dispute.
(nhi)