Greek frigate Hydra departs for Red Sea to join Operation ‘Aspides’

The Hellenic Navy’s frigate
Hydra
is pictured at Salamis Naval Station prior to departing for the Red Sea on 26 February.
(Hellenic MoD)

The Hellenic Navy has despatched its lead Hydra (MEKO 200 HN)-class frigate to the Red Sea where it will participate in the European Union’s (EU’s) new maritime security mission Operation ‘Aspides’.

The EU officially launched Operation ‘Aspides’ on 19 February to help protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden from the ongoing attacks by Iran-backed Ansar Allah (commonly known as Houthis) militants in Yemen.

Hydra (F 452) set sail from Salamis Naval Station near Piraeus, Athens, bound for the Red Sea on 26 February, the Greek Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

The ship’s departure follows a decision by the Greek government earlier that day to formally approve a proposal for the country to participate in and lead ‘Aspides’, in addition to sending a Greek frigate.