The Greek frigate ‘Psara,’ part of the EU operation in the Red Sea (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES), successfully thwarted a four-drone attack against a merchant ship in the Gulf of Aden early on Sunday, July 7.
This operation, aimed at protecting merchant vessels from Houthi attacks, demonstrated the effectiveness of the frigate’s anti-drone systems and weaponry.
The ‘Psara’ managed to shoot down two of the UAVs while the remaining two retreated, as confirmed by military sources. The frigate continues its mission in the region following this incident.
This successful defence comes on the heels of a visit to the Greek frigate in Djibouti by Greek National Defence Minister Nikos Dendias and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell on Saturday, July 6, 2024.
During their visit, they were briefed by the frigate’s commander on its operations. Dendias expressed his appreciation for the sailors’ dangerous mission, emphasising the critical importance of ensuring the free passage of shipping to avoid significant economic repercussions.
“If the free passage of shipping is interrupted, the upheaval in markets, the increase of inflation, the loss of jobs, will deeply affect Greek society, will deeply affect European society,” Dendias remarked.
The visit also included meetings with the local commander from the Netherlands and Rear Admiral Vassilios Gryparis, head of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES operations. Dendias met with the president of the Greek community in Djibouti, Marios Armenakis. Accompanying the officials were Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff General Dimitrios Choupis and Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras.
Source: Ekathimerini.
