On 13 March 2024, between 05:00 a.m. and 06:00 a.m. (Djibouti time), the Greek Frigate HYDRA as part of the operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and providing protection to a merchant ship, opened fires with guns against 2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) posing an imminent threat to the freedom of navigation.
The action performed by HYDRA was effective in avoiding any damage to seafarers and merchant shipping.
EUNAVFOR ASPIDES has a defensive mandate, to protect shipping targeted by attacks at sea or air. Any response will always come as a consequence of an attack and be necessary, proportionate and limited to international sea or air-space.