German Warships Directed to Avoid Red Sea Amid Fears of Houthi Attacks
The German Defence Ministry stated that the two German vessels, FGS BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG (F222) and FGS FRANKFURT AM MAIN (A1412), are “not designed for conducting air defense operations” to protect themselves and nearby ships.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA)– Two German Navy warships have avoided navigating the Red Sea due to concerns over potential attacks from Houthi armed groups, according to the German Ministry of Defense.
The German Defence Ministry stated that the two German vessels, FGS BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG (F222) and FGS FRANKFURT AM MAIN (A1412), are “not designed for conducting air defense operations” to protect themselves and nearby ships.
“The threat level from Houthi armed groups is relatively high in the Red Sea,” said German Defense Ministry spokesperson Colonel Mitko Mueller during a press conference yesterday.
He added that there have been several complex attacks in the Red Sea in recent months involving tactical missiles, drones, and various other weaponry.
In response, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius directed the two ships to take a longer route around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, avoiding the Red Sea entirely.
German frigate, FGS BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG (F222) when arriving at Port Klang Cruise Terminal. (kredit TLDM)
The two German Navy ships are en route to Mediterranean waters to participate in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission under the United Nations flag.
Previously, both FGS BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG and FGS FRANKFURT AM MAIN had been involved in the Indo-Pacific Region Deployment 2024 (IPD 2024), a major defense diplomacy initiative by the German Navy encompassing multinational naval exercises and operations.
Since June 2024, the German warships have sailed through the Pacific and Indian Oceans, demonstrating Germany’s naval capabilities and commitment to maritime security.
On October 15, the two vessels made a port call at Port Klang Cruise Terminal, marking the first visit by German warships to Malaysia in 22 years.
Although classified as a frigate, the FGS BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG displaces up to 7,200 tons, more characteristic of a destroyer.
German Navy replenishment vessel, FGS FRANKFURT AM MAIN
Reports indicate that the FGS BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG is the heaviest frigate in the world. Commissioned in 2019, the 150-meter-long frigate can reach speeds of 20 knots and operate up to 4,000 nautical miles.
In terms of armament, FGS BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG is equipped with a 127mm main gun, the RAM Block II (Rolling Airframe Missile) system, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Additionally, the frigate carries an NH-90 helicopter.
Meanwhile, FGS FRANKFURT AM MAIN is a German Navy replenishment oiler, commissioned in 2001. The 20,000-ton vessel provides fuel, supplies, ammunition, and other support to German Navy operations. — DSA