Two German Navy warships, the FGS BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG (F222) and FGS FRANKFURT AM MAIN (A1412), have altered their route to avoid the Red Sea due to concerns over potential attacks from Houthi armed groups. Citing elevated security risks in the region, the German Ministry of Defense confirmed that both vessels are bypassing the volatile maritime zone and navigating around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. This cautious decision reflects Germany’s assessment of the growing threat environment in the Red Sea, a crucial but increasingly dangerous corridor for international maritime traffic.
According to Colonel Mitko Mueller, spokesperson for the German Defense Ministry, the ships, though well-armed, lack advanced air defense capabilities required to counteract the sophisticated threats posed by Houthi militias. “The threat level from Houthi armed groups is relatively high in the Red Sea,” stated Mueller during a press conference yesterday. He further explained that these risks are primarily due to recent missile and drone attacks in the area, along with other forms of advanced weaponry employed by the Houthi groups.
The German Ministry of Defense explained that the alternative route via Cape of Good Hope, though longer, is the best course of action given the security situation. The FGS BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG, Germany’s heaviest frigate, and the FGS FRANKFURT AM MAIN, a German Navy replenishment oiler, are en route to participate in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission under the United Nations flag in the Mediterranean. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized that the German Navy’s operational readiness and the safety of its personnel are paramount.
“The Red Sea has always been a pivotal maritime route for international trade and naval movements, but the level of threat has increased significantly,” Mueller said. He added that, by taking a safer, albeit longer, route, Germany aims to secure the mission’s goals without compromising the crew’s safety. “It’s a matter of responsible navigation in light of the intensified threats in the region,” he noted.
The Red Sea has become a flashpoint for attacks in recent years, with Houthi forces frequently engaging in drone and missile strikes targeting both civilian and military vessels. These attacks form part of a larger geopolitical struggle, with the Houthis, an armed group in Yemen, receiving support from regional powers and escalating tensions in the strategically critical Red Sea corridor. Since early 2024, the region has witnessed multiple incidents, involving tactical missiles, drones, and an assortment of other weapons deployed by Houthi groups to disrupt traffic through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, one of the world’s most essential chokepoints for oil and trade shipments.
The German Defense Ministry has documented these security concerns and discussed countermeasures, but for now, rerouting remains the safest choice. “We are not equipped with the advanced air defense systems necessary to counter every level of aerial threat in that region,” Mueller explained, highlighting that both vessels lack the full air defense suite found on ships specially designed for high-threat zones.
The two German Navy ships are scheduled to support the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission, assisting in maritime security operations off the Lebanese coast to prevent the smuggling of weapons and bolster regional stability. The German Navy’s presence in the Mediterranean under the UN banner underscores Germany’s commitment to collective security measures, especially in regions experiencing conflict spillover and political instability.
Germany’s decision to circumvent the Red Sea reinforces its cautious approach to the current UNIFIL assignment. However, this choice also demonstrates Germany’s reluctance to expose its assets to high-risk engagements unless fully equipped for them, especially in conflict zones with unpredictable and heavily armed adversaries.
FGS BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG (F222), classified as a frigate, is one of the most formidable warships in the German fleet. Commissioned in 2019, the frigate is equipped with a 127mm main gun, the RAM Block II Rolling Airframe Missile system for short-range threats, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. The vessel, 150 meters in length and displacing up to 7,200 tons, also carries an NH-90 helicopter for reconnaissance and additional tactical support. The FGS BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG has been part of the German Navy’s Indo-Pacific Region Deployment (IPD) 2024, a major initiative aimed at enhancing German influence and operational presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
Meanwhile, FGS FRANKFURT AM MAIN (A1412) serves as a replenishment oiler for the German fleet. Commissioned in 2001, this 20,000-ton vessel provides logistical support by transporting fuel, supplies, and ammunition to ships at sea, a role critical to sustained naval operations. The FRANKFURT AM MAIN is an essential asset for supporting German naval units across extended missions, ensuring their operational continuity during long deployments.
Germany’s recent Indo-Pacific Region Deployment underscores its expanding maritime diplomacy and military outreach beyond Europe. Since June 2024, the FGS BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG and FGS FRANKFURT AM MAIN have traversed vast distances across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Their mission has encompassed joint exercises, port visits, and diplomatic engagements to bolster maritime security alliances in the Indo-Pacific. Germany’s strategic naval presence in this region highlights its commitment to defending open sea lanes, ensuring regional stability, and supporting international maritime laws.
The German Navy has carried out multinational exercises during this deployment, aimed at promoting interoperability with allies in the Indo-Pacific, including the U.S., Japan, and Australia. These exercises not only bolster Germany’s role in maintaining maritime security but also signal its readiness to protect global trade routes and participate in freedom-of-navigation operations.
The port call at Port Klang Cruise Terminal in Malaysia on October 15, 2024, symbolized Germany’s re-engagement with Southeast Asia and marked the first German warship visit to Malaysia in 22 years. Diplomatic sources view this as a statement of Germany’s renewed commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN nations amidst the region’s changing security landscape.
Germany’s move to avoid the Red Sea represents a prudent decision reflecting the evolving nature of naval operations in high-risk areas. As maritime threats diversify, nations are increasingly confronted with the question of how to protect their vessels and crew without compromising their broader objectives. The German Navy’s cautious approach to navigating the Red Sea serves as a reminder of the delicate balance military forces must maintain between operational objectives and situational safety.
As part of the UNIFIL mission, the German Navy will play a critical role in maintaining stability off Lebanon’s coast. Yet, avoiding the Red Sea raises questions about how Germany and other European nations plan to respond to escalating threats in this region. While nations have deployed high-tech defense systems and collaborative patrolling in the past, increased vigilance and resource allocation may become necessary to counter the evolving capabilities of groups like the Houthis.
German Defense Minister Pistorius and other officials have not ruled out future operations in the Red Sea, provided they are undertaken with adequate defensive measures. However, Germany’s choice of the Cape of Good Hope route underscores the importance of risk assessment and adaptive strategy in contemporary naval operations.
Germany’s choice to reroute has sparked a range of international responses. Maritime security experts have largely endorsed the decision, recognizing the perils posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), missiles, and fast-attack craft that non-state actors like the Houthis use. As this type of unconventional warfare becomes increasingly prevalent, Germany’s rerouting decision may influence other nations’ approaches to navigating high-risk zones.
In response, some analysts suggest that an enhanced coalition among European and Gulf states could be one potential strategy to secure the Red Sea corridor. By pooling intelligence, technology, and patrolling efforts, international coalitions could achieve a safer operational environment for their naval assets.
