FIRE ASTER!

This drawing represents a FREMM of the French Navy firing an ASTER missile as part of the “Aspides” mission.

The “Aspides” mission, whose name means “shield” in Greek, aims to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region. Since October, this region has faced increasing instability, mainly due to attacks targeting ships by Houthi rebels, using drones and rockets.

The Houthis, supported by Iran and controlling part of Yemen, claim these attacks in retaliation for the Israeli military intervention in Gaza, which caused the deaths of thousands of Palestinians.

This is of critical importance as around 12% of global trade and up to 30% of global container traffic pass through this essential sea route. Houthi attacks therefore risk seriously disrupting trade with Europe.

Several European countries, including France, Germany, Italy and Belgium, have confirmed their participation by providing ships for the European Union (EU) mission. Greece will provide a commander for the operational headquarters, Italy will be responsible for the force commander, while France will provide the deputy force commander.