Full Breakdown
EU Pushes for Larger Red Sea Naval Force Amid Houthi Advances
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Core Event: Call for an Expanded Aspides Fleet
On September 21, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Operation Aspides needs “more than 10 warships” because the security situation has become “even more grave.” Diplomats note only six warships are currently deployed. Kallas sent a letter to the EU’s 27 member states on September 19 urging increased naval and air contributions.
Background & Context
Operation Aspides, launched in February 2024, protects commercial shipping from Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militia. The mission is defensive but authorized to use force. In recent weeks the Houthis have seized the Yemeni port of Mocha, Perim Island, and the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands, expanding their foothold along the Red Sea coast and threatening the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a key conduit between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean.
Data & Statistics
- Current EU assets: six warships (Italy, Greece, and temporary contributions from Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium).
- Target strength: at least ten ships, per the original Aspides design.
- Strategic volume: Bab el-Mandeb handles roughly 7 % of global oil shipments; the strait is about 18 mi wide at its narrowest point.
- Italian stakes: 40 % of Italy’s commercial maritime traffic and 60 % of its exports to Asia transit the Red Sea.
Official Statements & Responses
Kallas warned that limited assets hinder the mission’s ability to “fully carry out its mandate” and said the growing Houthi presence is already affecting European supply chains and fuel prices. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reiterated that Italy is not at war but stressed the waterway’s strategic importance and called for the EU to “renew and strengthen” Aspides. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto criticized EU bureaucracy and announced Italy would use its deployed ships under national command if the EU does not act promptly.
On-the-Ground Reports
Houthi forces have captured Mocha, Perim Island, and both Hanish islands, giving them enhanced surveillance over one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. While the strait remains open, the militia’s expanded positions increase the risk of targeted attacks on commercial vessels.
What’s Next
The issue will be debated at the EU defence ministers’ meeting in Brussels on September 28, followed by the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg on October 12. Italy is preparing a national escort mission and can provide a second frigate if requested. The EU’s extended mandate runs until February 28 2027, with an allocated €15 million for common costs.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When Aspides was put in place, then the indication was that it needs at least 10 ships. The situation, I think, is even more grave right now,” — Kaja Kallas
- “The operation needs more naval assets and more air assets to address the increased level of threats in the region,” — United Nations
- “When a sea route is interrupted, goods arrive late, costs rise and prices increase for families and businesses,” — Guido Crosetto
- “No, we are not at war,” — Antonio Tajani
- “We have a strong strategic interest: 40% of Italy's entire commercial maritime traffic and 60% of the goods we export to Asia pass through the Red Sea,” — Antonio Tajani