The European Commission officially established on Tuesday “EUNAVFOR ASPIDES”, the European military operation for maritime security and freedom of navigation in the context of the Red Sea crisis.
This operation will contribute to maritime security along the main sea lanes in an area including the Straits of Bab el-Madab and the Straits of Hormuz, as well as international waters in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.
EUNAVFOR ASPIDES’ strategic objective will be to escort ships in the area of operations, provide situational awareness and protect ships from multi-dimensional attacks at sea, “in full respect of international law, including the principles of necessity and proportionality”, in a sub-area of the area of operations.
Commanding the operation will be Greek Commander in Chief Vassilios Gryparis, with the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES Operational Headquarters located in Larissa.
Under the regulatory framework, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES will work in close coordination with the EU military operation EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, which was established in 2008 to contribute to maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. It will also cooperate with the US-led operation “Prosperity Guardian”, as well as with states wishing to contribute to maritime security in its area of activity.
Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES is supported by the European Union Satellite Centre (SATCEN) and the EU’s Intelligence Analysis Centre to gather information where required for the fulfilment of its tasks.
Its initial mandate of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES shall be 12 months from the date of its entry into operation, with the possibility of a review before the end of its period of validity. The financial reference amount for common costs shall be 8 million euros. The entry into operation of the operation should be decided at the Foreign Affairs Council on 19 February.
