Greece has assumed naval command of the EU’s Operation ASPIDES, a joint EU-NATO mission in the Red Sea aimed at protecting commercial vessels amid rising security threats. The formal handover ceremony in Djibouti saw Greece’s Defense Minister Nikos Dendias underscore the mission’s significance, highlighting Greece’s commitment to maritime security and international law. Captain Konstantinos Pitykakis of the Hellenic Navy accepted the command on behalf of Greece, taking the lead in ensuring safe passage in this strategic waterway.
Tag: Operation Aspides
Greece is set to take command of the EU’s Operation Aspides, a naval mission protecting commercial vessels in the Red Sea from Houthi rebel attacks. Starting November 1, Commodore Konstantinos Pitykakis will lead the operation aboard the Italian destroyer “Andrea Doria,” with Greece contributing the Spetsai frigate. The mission has successfully completed over 260 operations since its launch.
The salvage operation for the MT Sounion in the Red Sea faces challenges as conditions are deemed unfit for towing, prompting a search for alternative solutions. The tanker poses a significant environmental risk with its cargo of 1 million barrels of oil, following an attack by Houthi militants. Operation ASPIDES continues to ensure navigation safety in the area.
The Greek frigate PSARA (F454), deployed as part of Operation ASPIDES, successfully neutralized a Houthi drone swarm threatening a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Aden on Sunday, July 14th, 2024. The ship’s indigenously developed “Centaur” anti-drone system played a key role in the defense.
Tensions in the Red Sea continue to rise as Iranian-backed Houthi rebels launch missile attacks…