The frigate "Hessen" of the German Navy set sail today, February 8, from the Wilhelmshaven base. The naval unit will take part in the European Union Eunavfor "Aspides" mission for the protection of merchant shipping and the freedom of maritime routes in the Red Sea. The aim is to counter attacks by Yemeni Houthi militiamen against merchant ships.

A possible deployment in the Red Sea will represent another test of resistance for the ship and crew". In the Aspides operational theater "the threat is not abstract, but very concrete", declared frigate captain Volker Kuebsch, in command of the frigate "Hessen".

The naval unit, 143 meters long and equipped with anti-aircraft missiles with a range of 160 kilometers, is designed specifically for escort and surveillance. On board a crew of 240 people including officers, sailors, doctors, marines, a military chaplain and two management teams of the two AgustaWestland "Sea Lynx" helicopters. The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrel, said that the European mission would only ensure the safety of navigation, without participating in attacks against Yemeni militias.