Germany may send frigate to Red Sea to protect ships from Houthis

German authorities are considering the possibility of sending the Hessen frigate to the Red Sea to protect merchant ships from the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group’s attacks.

Hessen may leave the port and move towards the Red Sea in January 2024, Bild newspaper reports citing sources in the German army.

The frigate is equipped with modern air defence systems and can effectively protect ships from Houthi missiles and drones. The ship's crew consists of 245 people.

The German authorities have not publicly confirmed the possible dispatch of the frigate yet but clarified that the government is considering various options.

The Houthis have been actively attacking merchant ships in the Red Sea over the past few weeks. In this regard, the French CMA CGM shipping company, which transports goods, has temporarily suspended the movement of ships through the Suez Canal.