EU Extends Operation ASPIDES Until 2027, Allocates €15 Million To Protect Red Sea Shipping

The European Union has extended its naval mission Operation ASPIDES until 28 February 2027 to continue protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea region.

The decision was approved by the Council of the European Union following a strategic review of the operation.

The bloc also allocated nearly €15 million to cover common operational costs from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027.

Council of the European Union confirmed the extension after assessing the security situation in the region and the performance of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

The operation, launched in February 2024, was created in response to repeated attacks on international shipping by Yemen’s Houthi militants beginning in October 2023. It officially became active on 19 February 2024.

Under the new decision, the EU set a financial reference amount of nearly €15 million (approximately $17.7 million) for the upcoming mandate period. Last year, the Council approved €17 million for the mission.

A further strategic review will take place during 2026–2027.

Operation ASPIDES provides defensive maritime security. Its role is to protect merchant and commercial vessels navigating through high-risk waters.

Today, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, reaches 24 months since its launch.

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES has a totally defensive mandate, contributes to regional stability and prosperity by providing safety to fellow seafarers and protecting global common goods.@eu_eeas pic.twitter.com/U2jk0ZTd0j

— EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (@EUNAVFORASPIDES) February 19, 2026

The mission operates along key sea lines of communication near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. It is also active in international waters across:

• The Red Sea
• The Gulf of Aden
• The Arabian Sea
• The Gulf of Oman
• The Gulf

The mission monitors maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz as well.

According to the operation’s command, ASPIDES has supported more than 1,570 vessels during its 23 months of activity.

The mission currently operates with three naval vessels contributed by EU member states including Greece, Italy, and Spain.

The command reported that it continues regular training exercises to maintain operational readiness.

Although no Houthi attack has been reported since September 2025, threats against merchant shipping persist. Shipping companies remain cautious.

When Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd announced plans to restore certain routes under the Gemini Cooperation via the Red Sea corridor, they stated that transits would proceed under naval security protection.

Reference: EU

Source: Maritime Shipping News