Kallas Calls for 10-Warship EU Red Sea Force as Houthi Threat Escalates

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called for member states to expand Operation Aspides to 10 warships in the Red Sea, citing escalating threats to commercial shipping from Houthi attacks. The mission currently operates with six vessels, four short of the original deployment target set when the operation launched in 2024.

Current Deployment Falls Short of Original Plan#

Operation Aspides presently consists primarily of three ships from Italy and Greece, with occasional support from other EU member states. Kallas stated in a letter released over the weekend that when Aspides was established, the indication was that it needs at least 10 ships. She told Reuters on Monday that the operation needs more naval and air assets to address the increased level of threats in the region. EU member states have so far shown no willingness to increase the number of vessels deployed or to adapt the mission's goals.

Bab el-Mandeb Among Three Critical Chokepoints#

Kallas identified the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as one of three critical maritime chokepoints whose disruption spreads far beyond the region, alongside the Black Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. She made these remarks to reporters in New York after a meeting of EU foreign ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The Houthis have repeatedly claimed they will only attack Saudi vessels, but have struck Western-linked shipping multiple times in previous years with an inconsistent targeting record that has occasionally hit vessels linked to their own allies.

Energy Infrastructure Attacks Drive Price Impact#

The Houthi attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure and tanker traffic have contributed to the global rise in energy prices, with direct effects on the European economy and EU shipping interests. Maritime Executive reported that the increased threat level has prompted calls for both additional naval assets and air support to protect commercial vessels transiting the region. The expanded mission would aim to counter threats that have intensified since Operation Aspides began patrolling the Red Sea in 2024.

IMO Secretary General Echoes Security Concerns#

The call for expanded European involvement complements recent messaging from IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez, who last week appealed to member states to make stronger diplomatic efforts to protect seafarer safety. Dominguez told member state delegates that it falls to them and their capitals, and relevant bodies of the United Nations, to address the root causes of maritime security risk and find solutions. Kallas told Reuters the situation is even more grave now than when the mission was first established.