Operation Aspides

The Psara frigate, which will replace Greece's Hydra frigate in the Red Sea around the end of May, will be equipped with a new, even more powerful anti-drone system, Kathimerini understands.

The new electronic system for dealing with drones will have more power and, therefore, a greater range to interfere in the communication of the drone with its operator.

Greece's frigate Hydra opened fire on two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the Gulf of Aden during the early hours of Thursday, utilizing its 127mm main gun, Kathimerini understands.

One of the drones was downed while the other altered its course.

According to information, the air radar of the Greek frigate detected at 5.15 a.m. eight unmanned aerial vehicles.

The second time Greek naval frigate involved in a drone incident as part of operation ASPIDES (operation Shields)

The second time Greek naval frigate involved in a drone incident as part of operation ASPIDES ( operation Shields)

The operations of the European Union's naval mission to the Red Sea have not been affected by Iran's first-ever direct attack on Israel but the force needs more combat ships to protect merchant vessels sailing through "a vast area," its commander told Reuters on Tuesday.

The commander of a European Union naval mission in the Red Sea wants to significantly increase its size to better defend against possible attacks by Houthi rebels based in Yemen, as just four warships are patrolling an area twice the size of the 27-nation bloc.

Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, the Greek operation commander of the European naval mission Aspides, designed to protect ships sailing through the Red Sea from Houthi attacks, said on Monday that "we are also preparing for any deterioration of the situation in the region." 

The European Union's naval mission in the Red Sea has repelled attacks on 11 civilian ships since it was launched in late February, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Monday.

The Iran-backed Huthis, who control much of war-torn Yemen, have been targeting the vital shipping lane since November in a campaign they say is in solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza war.

The two drones withdrew after the shots – This is the frigate’s first engagement as part of Operation “Aspides”

Greece's frigate Hydra opened fire on two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the Gulf of Aden during the early hours of Wednesday, utilizing its 127mm main gun. Both UAVs promptly altered their course.