Translation of: https://www.spiegel.de/ausland/fregatte-hessen-wehrt-offenbar-ersten-huthi-angriff-im-roten-meer-ab-a-d53f0e08-7589-4323-9f6e-35586eb5a5be
It is there to protect merchant ships in the Red Sea. Now, according to SPIEGEL information, the frigate "Hessen" has repelled two drones from the Yemeni Houthi militia. It was the first use of live ammunition.
The naval frigate "Hessen" has been cruising to protect merchant ships in the Red Sea for only a few days. Now, it has repelled a first attack from the Houthi militia operating from Yemen. The ship, participating in the EU military mission "Aspides," successfully engaged two enemy aerial targets on Tuesday evening – it was the first live weapons use. Prior to this, the news agency dpa, among others, had reported on the deployment.
The first drone was shot down around 8:09 p.m. Central European Time, according to SPIEGEL information, using a 76-millimeter naval gun. Shortly after, at 8:14 p.m., the radar of the German warship detected a second drone – this one repeatedly flew directly towards the "Hessen." At 8:49 p.m., it too was shot down – using the ship's close-in weapons system.
The first drone was shot down around 8:09 p.m. Central European Time, according to SPIEGEL information, using a 76-millimeter naval gun. Shortly after, at 8:14 p.m., the radar of the German warship detected a second drone – this one repeatedly flew directly towards the "Hessen." At 8:49 p.m., it too was shot down – using the ship's close-in weapons system.
The Houthi militia, allied with Iran, aims to end Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip by targeting merchant ships in the Red Sea. The Israeli military operation is a response to the Islamist Hamas' terror attack on October 7th. The deployment of the "Hessen," which began only last Friday, is considered the most dangerous mission of the navy in the history of the Bundeswehr.
The maritime route through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal is one of the most important trade routes worldwide. Due to the attacks by the Houthis, who are heavily armed by Iran, large shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the shortest sea connection between Asia and Europe – with significant impacts on the global economy.
Last Friday, the Bundestag approved the German participation in the EU mission "Aspides." The "Hessen" had previously set sail from Wilhelmshaven towards the mission area with the goal of starting the assignment immediately after the Bundestag's decision. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the deployment contributes to the stabilization of the region. "However, we must also be clear: The deployment of the 'Hessen' is one of the most dangerous for the German Navy in decades."
Last week, the Houthi militia announced its intention to expand attacks on merchant ships off the country's coast. The group's leader, Abdel-Malik al-Houthi, said in a televised speech that they are opting for escalation in response to Israel's escalation in the Gaza Strip. So far, 48 ships have been attacked. He also announced the use of underwater weapons.
Several Western countries, including the USA and Great Britain, are involved in operations to repel the attacks. The EU has also launched a military operation to protect maritime commerce in the Red Sea, in which Germany will participate with the frigate "Hessen."