Frankfurt (Germany), June 18 (LaPresse) – The German minesweeper Fulda and the support ship Mosel crossed the Suez Canal in the early hours of today heading for the Red Sea, together with the British logistics vessel Lime Bay. The units will continue navigation within a multinational formation up to Djibouti, strengthening the forward positioning of forces that could be deployed in a future mission in the Strait of Hormuz. This was stated by the German Defence Ministry in a note. During the transfer, Fulda and Mosel will take part in the European mission Eunafavor Aspides, contributing to the collection and updating of the maritime situation picture in the Red Sea. Arrival in Djibouti is expected within five to seven days. In the African port, the German units will receive logistical support and complete further operational preparation activities. In view of a possible deployment, the two ships have been equipped with autonomous systems, mine-clearing diving teams and naval unit protection teams. A total of around 140 military personnel are on board. The German federal government has reiterated its willingness to provide a “significant and visible” contribution to a possible international coalition aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Berlin clarified that any operational involvement remains subject to three conditions: a lasting cessation of hostilities, the existence of a legal basis in accordance with international law, and approval of a mandate by the Bundestag. The government aims to submit the matter to Parliament before the summer recess.
Iran, German Navy ships toward the Red Sea for possible mission in Hormuz
Frankfurt (Germany), June 18 (LaPresse) – The German minesweeper Fulda and the support ship Mosel crossed the Suez Canal in the early hours of today heading for the Red Sea, together with the British logistics vessel Lime Bay. The units will continue navigation within a multinational formation up to Djibouti, strengthening the forward positioning of forces that could be deployed in a future mission in the Strait of Hormuz. This was stated by the German Defence Ministry in a note. During the transfer, Fulda and Mosel will take part in the European mission Eunafavor Aspides, contributing to the collection and updating of the maritime situation picture in the Red Sea. Arrival in Djibouti is expected within five to seven days. In the African port, the German units will receive logistical support and complete further operational preparation activities. In view of a possible deployment, the two ships have been equipped with autonomous systems, mine-clearing diving teams and naval unit protection teams. A total of around 140 military personnel are on board. The German federal government has reiterated its willingness to provide a “significant and visible” contribution to a possible international coalition aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Berlin clarified that any operational involvement remains subject to three conditions: a lasting cessation of hostilities, the existence of a legal basis in accordance with international law, and approval of a mandate by the Bundestag. The government aims to submit the matter to Parliament before the summer recess.
