The European Council has announced the extension of the EU maritime security mission “ASPIDES,” aimed at ensuring safety in the Red Sea, for an additional year, extending its mandate until February 28, 2026. The decision to prolong the operation comes with a budget allocation of 17 million euros, approximately $17.8 million.
As part of its renewed mandate, ASPIDES maritime forces will focus on gathering intelligence related to arms trafficking and shadow fleets. This data collection is critical to enhancing situational awareness and ensuring the protection of vessels in the region. The information gathered by the mission will be disseminated to EU member states, the European Commission, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the International Criminal Police Organisation, reinforcing international cooperation against maritime threats.
Operation ASPIDES is currently active in key maritime routes, including the Baab al-Mandab Strait and the Strait of Hormuz, along with international waters in the Gulf of Aden. Additionally, European Union vessels are stationed in the Arabian Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, further solidifying the EU’s maritime presence in vital maritime corridors.
Launched in 2024, Operation ASPIDES was designed to restore and safeguard freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and adjacent Gulf areas. The mission has become increasingly crucial in light of threats posed by Iran-backed Houthi militants, who have expressed intentions to target shipping interests affiliated with Israeli, British, and American entities amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Headquartered in Larissa, Greece, Operation ASPIDES operates through a multinational coalition composed of maritime forces from various EU nations. Its mission has seen notable engagement, including an incident in April of last year when an Italian naval frigate involved in the operations successfully intercepted a drone in the vicinity of an escorted merchant vessel in the Red Sea. In the same month, the Royal Netherlands Navy contributed to the mission by deploying the HNLMS Karel Doorman, which facilitated the transport of tank ammunition, medical supplies, and other military necessities to support ongoing efforts.
The extended operation highlights the EU’s commitment to enhancing maritime security and addressing the challenges of maritime threats in one of the world’s most strategically important regions.
