The European Council has prolonged the EU maritime security mission “ASPIDES” to safeguard the Red Sea for another year, until 28 February 2026.
Extending the operation will cost 17 million euros ($17.8 million).
Moreover, the ASPIDES’ maritime forces will be tasked with collecting information on arms trafficking and shadow fleets to enhance situational awareness and vessel protection.
The data collected will be shared with EU member states, the European Commission, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the International Criminal Police Organisation.
The operation is active along the main sea lines in the Baab al-Mandab Strait and the Strait of Hormuz, as well as international waters in the Gulf of Aden.
EU vessels are also present in the Arabian Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.
EU Boosting Maritime Security
Established in 2024, Operation ASPIDES is a defense and security mission aimed at “restoring and safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf.”
It aims to protect merchant vessels from attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis, who have pledged to target Israeli, British, and American ships in response to the war in Gaza.
Headquartered in Larissa, Greece, the operation involves a multinational coalition of maritime forces from several EU countries deployed in the Red Sea and the Gulf.
In April last year, an Italian navy frigate contributing to ASPIDES shot down a drone in the Red Sea near an escorted merchant ship.
The same month, the Royal Netherlands Navy deployed the HNLMS Karel Doorman to support the mission by transporting tank ammunition, medical aid, and other military supplies.
