The Danish frigate Iver Huitfeldt remains plagued by air defense malfunctions from earlier this year, leading Danish authorities to retract their offer of leading a regional NATO force. The issue prevented the firing of surface-to-air missiles during a mission in the Red Sea against Yemen’s Houthi militants. Denmark decided not to deploy the frigate until the air defense equipment is fixed, with plans to take on NATO force commander duties from Danish naval stations.
Meanwhile, June saw a rise in Houthi militant attacks on commercial ships, with data showing at least sixteen confirmed strikes despite international efforts to prevent them. The Iran-backed militants also claimed responsibility for a recent attack on a Greek-owned cargo ship. The Greek frigate Hydra also faced technological difficulties in the Red Sea, reportedly leaving them unable to effectively respond to drone threats.
The Hydra returned home in June after completing a security mission, with Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias acknowledging the risky nature of the deployment. Sister ship Psara then set sail for its mission in the Red Sea. The European correspondent for Defense News, Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo, based in Milan, Italy, covers military procurement, international security, and aviation topics.
