EU launches Operation Aspides with German frigate Hessen to protect Red Sea trade routes from Houthi threats

Due to the ongoing threat to global maritime trade posed by drones, anti-ship missiles, and ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi militia from Yemen towards the Red Sea, the European Union has launched Operation Aspides to bolster the protection of shipping routes. The US Navy and vessels from various other countries primarily support this operation. A notable addition to this initiative is the German frigate Hessen, which stands as one of Germany's most sophisticated warships.

The Hessen set sail from the port of Wilhelmshaven in early February, making its way toward the Mediterranean Sea. Operation Aspides officially started on February 19, when the frigate proceeded to the operation's designated area covering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Here, it joins efforts to shield civilian maritime activities from aerial attacks orchestrated by the Huthis, who receive support from Iran. These offensive actions against navigation have been ongoing since the tail end of 2023. The Huthis justify their actions as a retaliation to the Israeli operations in the Gaza Strip, targeting vessels from nations backing Israel. However, this claim holds no merit. Despite targeted American and British strikes on land, the assaults on maritime vessels persist, indicating the Hessen frigate's likely engagement in combat operations.

Engagement in NATO's maritime groups typically entails flag display and patrol duties. However, the mission in the Red Sea practically assures the active use of weaponry. The commander of the British destroyer, HMS Diamond, mentioned that the ship undertakes daily engagements with aerial targets in the region, presenting a distinctive challenge for the German unit. Germany treads carefully in deploying its armed forces abroad, often limiting its involvement to support roles and imposing stringent engagement rules on its military personnel. Still, Operation Aspide's focus on unmanned threats like drones and anti-ship missiles slightly simplifies the scenario, reducing the risk of confrontations with live adversaries.

The Hessen belongs to the trio of Type F124 Sachsen frigates, specialized for anti-aircraft defense and crafted by the ARGE F124 consortium, including shipyards Blohm + Voss, Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft, and Thyssen Nordseewerke. The first vessel, Sachsen, was commissioned in November 2004, followed by Hamburg in December 2004 and Hessen in April 2006.

Its primary anti-aircraft arsenal resides in a 32-cell vertical launch system Mk 41 VLS, deploying Evolved Sea Sparrow (ESSM) and SM-2 missiles. The armament includes 24 SM-2MR missiles and 32 ESSM missiles, fitting four per cell. The SM-2MR boasts a range of over 100 kilometers and targets up to 25 kilometers at altitudes, employing semi-active radar guidance. The ESSM, derived from the AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missile and also using semi-active radar, can engage targets up to 50 kilometers away.

A multi-purpose Oto-Melara super rapid 76mm gun, capable of firing 85 rounds per minute, is available for engaging airborne threats. Depending on the ammunition type, it can strike targets up to 8 kilometers away. Additionally, the frigate is equipped with two RIM-116 RAM close-in weapon systems, with IR homing in its final phase and initially radar-guided, carrying missiles up to 10 kilometers. The armament is complemented by eight anti-ship Harpoon missiles, two triple torpedo launchers (324mm), and two machine guns (27mm). The frigate also accommodates two Sea Lynx or NH90 helicopters.