A German warship has departed from port to join a European Union naval operation in the Red Sea. The mission, slated to begin in mid-February, aims to safeguard merchant vessels from attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen.

The decision comes as commercial shipping companies reroute their vessels due to Houthi attacks. The Houthis, who control significant portions of Yemen, claim to act in solidarity with Palestinians amid conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

"The freedom of maritime trade routes is crucial for our industries and our defense capabilities," stated Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, head of the German navy, during a press briefing in Berlin. He emphasized that over 90% of goods reaching Europe and Germany arrive via sea routes.

Concerns over disruptions to global trade prompted the United States and other nations to launch a mission in December. However, European allies, including France, Greece, and Italy, expressed reservations about the U.S-led plan, particularly regarding military strikes on Houthi targets.

In response, the EU initiated Operation Aspides, meaning "protector," which will see three vessels under EU command. Their primary task will be to defend commercial ships and intercept attacks, refraining from direct strikes on Houthi forces.

The German frigate Hesse departed from Wilhelmshaven in the North Sea for the Red Sea. Its participation in the mission depends on obtaining an EU mandate and national parliamentary approval by the end of February.

Equipped for air defense, the Hesse features advanced radar systems capable of detecting targets up to 400 kilometers away. It also possesses missiles designed to counter ballistic missiles and drones at ranges exceeding 160 kilometers.

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