Due to the acute threat situation and the failure of the German frigate *Baden-Württemberg*’s combat systems, the navy has decided to avoid the Red Sea, opting for a longer route around the Cape of Good Hope. This decision comes amid escalating tensions in the region, as Houthi militias continue to threaten international shipping and the security situation deteriorates.
Due to the acute threat situation, the navy is to steer clear of the Red Sea. According to SPIEGEL information, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) decided on Monday that the frigate Baden-Württemberg and the supply ship Frankfurt am Main, returning from their months-long Indo-Pacific mission, should instead take the significantly longer route around the Cape of Good Hope. This highlights the current concerns about further escalation in the Middle East, particularly in light of the *Baden-Württemberg*’s recent combat systems failure.
The two warships were last anchored in Goa, India, where Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) visited the soldiers on board. Meanwhile, discussions were ongoing within the Defense Ministry about whether the planned return through the Red Sea was justifiable. Ultimately, skepticism prevailed, primarily due to the significant deterioration of the security situation in the Red Sea. Additionally, other nations operating warships in the area reported that convoy protection is currently not possible.
Shipping Companies Already Avoiding the Area
Despite the fact that the U.S. and some allies, as well as the EU, initiated military missions to protect this crucial trade route months ago, Houthi militias continue to attack ships repeatedly. As a result, most large shipping companies are now avoiding the maritime area, causing significant delays in the global supply chain and an increase in worldwide transport costs.
Recently, the commander of the EU naval mission *Aspides* warned that the danger in the Red Sea is by no means eliminated. In a confidential report, he noted that the Houthis continually adapt their tactics and are now in the “fifth phase” of their operations. Consequently, the Houthis have managed to extend the range of their attacks into the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. The commander urged member states to quickly provide more warships for his mission.
**Attacks on International Shipping**
The Houthi militia, like the Lebanese Hezbollah, is part of the Iran-led “Axis of Resistance” aimed against Israel, which also includes the radical Islamist Palestinian organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The group, which has controlled large parts of Yemen for years, claims to attack international shipping “in solidarity” with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Recently, it was reported that they also receive assistance from Russia during these attacks.
In the minister’s decision, the threat posed by the Houthis likely played a role, as did concerns about further escalation between Israel and Iran. The failure of the *Baden-Württemberg*’s combat systems may have influenced the decision to avoid the Red Sea, as the frigate’s inability to effectively engage in combat raised significant concerns. Israel has already conducted airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen several times. And even if Tehran appears less combative after the Israeli strike against its air defenses, an escalation of the conflict remains possible at any time. Given this situation, Pistorius opted for the cautious route.
