"German Frigate Hessen Joins EU Mission in Red Sea"

The German air defense frigate Hessen has departed for the Red Sea to join an international naval protection force amid ongoing attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on merchant vessels. The ship's deployment under the EU's Aspides mission is expected to last for a few months, with the likelihood of combat action being high. This mission marks a shift from the ship's previous NATO duties, and comes as Houthi attacks continue despite efforts by the U.S. and U.K. to curtail the group's weapons-launching capabilities.