The EU's Aspides operation, which began in 2024, aims to protect commercial vessels off the coast of Yemen, involving up to five Finnish staff officers stationed at the operation's command in Greece.
The Aspides operation was established by the EU in 2024 to provide protection to commercial vessels against Houthi attacks, particularly in the Red Sea region. This operation involves three ships from France, Greece, and Italy, and is a response to increasing threats to maritime trade following the conflict escalation in Gaza. As of the end of 2023, Houthi militants have started targeting not only Israel but also commercial shipping in the region.
Finnish involvement in the operation includes the deployment of up to five staff officers to the operation's headquarters in Larissa, Greece. The Finnish Navy is responsible for the national command and recruitment of these officers, reflecting Finland's commitment to international security and maritime safety. The operation, originally set to last for one year, continues to operate as maritime security concerns grow due to regional conflicts.
The area of operations includes international waters across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf. EU foreign ministers are currently discussing whether the scope of the Aspides operation could be expanded to include the Hormuz Strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipping, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region and the EU's efforts to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels.
