The Hellenic Navy frigate Psara, currently deployed as part of the European Union’s ASPIDES naval mission in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, could eventually take part in mine-clearance operations in the Strait of Hormuz under proposals being considered by the EU, according to a document cited on Wednesday by Reuters.
The document, Reuters reports, envisions the mission assuming a “primary role” in removing naval mines when conditions permit.
The initiative is intended to comprise a European contribution to any future operation and, if approved, would be conducted under Franco-British leadership.
The Greek Frigate HS PSARA 🇬🇷 successfully provided support to merchant vessels, ensuring crews and cargo, reached their destination safely. pic.twitter.com/sHIZ1V4dP5
— EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (@EUNAVFORASPIDES) June 17, 2026
According to a May 26 memorandum from the EU’s diplomatic appendage, the situation requires the bloc to make a “substantial contribution” through an ad hoc coalition led by France and the United Kingdom, a non-EU member. The document states that the effort would be launched once conditions allow and would remain “distinct from the two belligerent parties.”
The memorandum, which has been circulated among EU member states, proposes that “when conditions permit, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES should be assigned the primary role in mine-clearance operations in the Strait of Hormuz, as the EU contribution to the efforts of the France-United Kingdom ad hoc coalition.”
Any change to the ASPIDES mandate, however, would require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states. It remains unclear whether all member governments are prepared to support such a modification.
The prospect of an expanded role for ASPIDES comes as the EU seeks to protect maritime trade routes linking Europe with the Middle East and Asia amid heightened regional tensions. Greece has been among the mission’s most active contributors, deploying warships to escort commercial vessels through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since the operation was launched in early 2024 in response to attacks on merchant shipping by Houthi rebels.
The frigate Psara is currently serving as the flagship of the ASPIDES operation, which has been tasked with protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways.
Greek naval vessels participating in the mission have escorted dozens of merchant ships through some of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, with Athens presenting its contribution as part of wider efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation, international trade and European maritime security.
