The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, says the bloc’s Red Sea naval mission needs to increase beyond 10 warships. Speaking on Monday, she adds that the forces currently available in the region are fewer than required.

Kallas made the remarks alongside the UN leaders’ gathering in New York. The EU’s Aspides mission was launched in 2024 to help protect commercial shipping from attacks linked to Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis. According to diplomats cited by multiple outlets, about six warships are currently operating in the area, while the mission’s initial planning indicated it would need at least 10 ships.

Across the reports, the core focus is the gap between required and available naval assets. While the outlets rely on the same Reuters wording and figures, they present the statement with limited additional detail, without naming specific timelines or countries that could supply extra vessels.