# EU Aspides mission Red Sea security

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eu-aspides-mission-red-sea-security
> Updated: 2026-09-28T17:03:11.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 3.

The European Union’s Aspides mission, a defensive operation launched in February 2024 to protect merchant ships in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and surrounding waters, is facing calls for increased resources due to escalating Houthi attacks.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has requested additional naval and aerial assets from member states, noting that the current deployment of approximately six warships is insufficient to counter threats in strategic areas like the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Kallas stated that the mission requires more than 10 warships to protect European supply chains and the global economy.

Recent developments indicate that two unnamed countries have signaled interest in providing additional warships to reinforce the operation. Kallas noted that the shortage of frigates has reached a point where commercial ships are currently “waiting in the queue to receive the escort.”

To address the vessel shortage, Kallas suggested that resources originally earmarked for a separate, non-operational coalition intended for the Strait of Hormuz could be redirected to the Red Sea. While the mission currently relies primarily on vessels from Italy and Greece, France has deployed an additional frigate and called for further reinforcements, and the United Kingdom has offered aircraft support. The ongoing security risks and increased Houthi activity continue to raise concerns regarding energy supply stability and inflation across Europe.

## Claims

- The European Union must strengthen the Aspides mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Greater involvement from other countries is needed to protect shipping through the Suez and Bab el-Mandeb straits. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Europe needs to strengthen collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The condition for increased involvement in the Strait of Hormuz is the end of the war. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Italy is considering energy infrastructure projects including gas pipelines and subsea cables from the Gulf to Europe. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: EU diplomat seeks more warships for Red Sea mission

EU diplomat Kaja Kallas says two countries may provide warships to bolster Operation Aspides, as Houthi attacks in the Red Sea leave commercial vessels waiting for escorts due to a shortage of frigates.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-diplomat-seeks-more-warships-for-red-sea-mission

### 2026-09-24: Antonio Tajani calls for strengthened EU Aspides mission in Red Sea

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called for a strengthened EU Aspides mission to secure Red Sea navigation and urged closer cooperation with Gulf Cooperation Council nations.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-aspides-mission-strengthens-red-sea-maritime-security

### 2026-09-21: EU Aspides mission requires more than 10 warships to counter Red Sea threats

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is urging member states to increase warships and aerial assets for the Aspides mission to counter escalating Houthi threats in the Red Sea.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kaja-kallas-calls-for-reinforcement-of-eu-red-sea-naval-mission

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Cite as: EU Aspides mission Red Sea security. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eu-aspides-mission-red-sea-security