Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto declared on Tuesday that Italy would dispatch one of its frigates to the Red Sea. The primary objective is to safeguard merchant shipping from attacks by Houthi rebels, ensuring international law and freedom of navigation are upheld.
Joining forces with the international community, Italy is determined to stem the terrorist activities of the Houthi rebels in the region. These rebels, backed by Iran, have intensified their attacks on merchant ships, posing a direct threat to ships sailing towards Israel.
Defense Minister Crosetto recognized the need to bolster the presence in this area, stating, "It is essential to increase our presence in this region to mitigate ecological disasters, prevent inflationary pressures, and potentially foster stability." The frigate "Virgilio Fasan" is scheduled to depart on Tuesday.
Italy’s involvement goes beyond providing military backup. The "Virgilio Fasan" is part of Operation Aspides, a European Union’s naval mission launched to secure merchant shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. The Marceglia, another Italian frigate, has been actively engaged in intercepting Houthi aerial threats, even shooting down a Houthi missile in March 2024.
Diplomatic efforts are also a crucial part of Italy's strategy in the region. Italian warships will participate in international exercises and exhibitions, helping to strengthen regional security and cooperation. The Marceglia, for instance, is expected to join the 5th Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo in Indonesia and the Osaka Expo 2025 in Japan.
Additional Insights:
- The European Union's naval mission, Operation Aspides, includes warships and early airborne warning systems from France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium. Based in Larissa, Greece, this operation is designed to safeguard merchant shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waters (source: ).
- The Marceglia frigate will also be part of an Indo-Pacific campaign, involving training and operational events with US and French naval forces (source: ).
- On March 2, 2024, the Italian destroyer Caio Duilio successfully shot down a Houthi missile over the Red Sea during Operation Aspides (source: ).
- The Marceglia frigate is set to participate in multiple international events, including the 5th Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) 2025 in Indonesia and the Osaka Expo 2025 exhibition in Japan (source: ).
