Germany sends frigate Hessen to join EU operation in Red Sea

On February 8, Germany sent the destroyer Hesse to participate in the European Union (EU)'s EUNAVFOR ASPIDES operation in the Red Sea to protect commercial ships from attacks by Houthi forces in Yemen.

The frigate Hesse, which is also equipped with anti-aircraft missiles, left the North Sea port of Wilhelmshaven for the Red Sea. Photo: Malay Mail

The frigate Hesse, which is also equipped with anti-aircraft missiles, left the North Sea port of Wilhelmshaven for the Red Sea. According to Reuters, the ship is built for air defense, equipped with radar that can detect targets at a range of up to 400km and missiles to shoot down targets such as ballistic missiles and drones at a range of more than 160km.

“The current situation in the Red Sea has caused supply bottlenecks and forced some companies to stop production,” German Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack told reporters in Berlin, adding that more than 90% of all goods arriving in Europe and Germany come by sea.

Many commercial shippers have diverted their ships following attacks by the Houthis, who control much of Yemen and are carrying out attacks in the Red Sea in what they say is a show of solidarity with Palestinians in the war in Gaza.

The United States and other countries launched a campaign in December 2023 to ease concerns that disruptions to one of the world’s top trade arteries could hit the global economy . But some U.S. allies, particularly European countries, have expressed concerns about the plan.

KHANH HUNG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/duc-dieu-khinh-ham-hessen-tham-gia-chien-dich-cua-eu-tai-bien-do-post726279.html