EU Considers Doubling Fleet in Red Sea

The European Union is contemplating a significant increase in its naval presence in the Red Sea to counter rising threats from Iran-backed Houthi forces.

Vasileios Gryparis, Commander of the EU coalition in the Red Sea, announced the need for more than doubling the current fleet under the "Asphides" mission to protect vessels in the region.

In an interview with Bloomberg News, Gryparis stressed the inadequacy of current assets to cover the extensive area effectively.

He urged all member states to increase their contributions, emphasizing the mission's defensive mandate.

Gryparis recently visited Brussels to push for additional resources, highlighting the mission's role in providing close assistance to 164 vessels since February.

The EU ships have also successfully neutralized more than 12 drones and intercepted four anti-ship missiles.

Since February, four EU ships have been patrolling the waters off the coast of Yemen. Gryparis noted that these ships have provided "close assistance" to 164 vessels, shot down more than 12 drones, and destroyed four anti-ship missiles.