EU seeks more warships for Aspides as ship escort requests surge
- Shipping demand for military escorts is outstripping Aspides’ available frigates, with vessels reportedly waiting in queue for protection
- Kaja Kallas said two EU countries have indicated they may contribute additional warships, raising hopes of long-sought reinforcements
- Despite growing Houthi threats across key maritime chokepoints, Aspides continues to operate well below the force levels originally requested by its commanders
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says commercial vessels are now queuing for Red Sea naval escorts as Operation Aspides struggles with chronic warship shortages, prompting renewed calls for member states to reinforce the mission
