Belgium is taking part in a European operation in the Red Sea and will be dispatching a navy frigate to the area, where ships have come under attack from Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The Houthis have been attacking ships heading through the Red Sea on their way to and from the Suez canal since November. The Houthis, supported by Iran, say they are responding to Israel’s attack on Hamas in Gaza. They hope the West will put pressure on Israel to agree a cease fire in return for their halting attacks on shipping.
Belgian foreign minister Hadja Lahbib (Francophone liberal) championed Belgian participation in a European mission, while the socialist and green parties that also form part of the governing federal coalition were more reluctant. In recent weeks left wing parties have been insisting Belgium adopt a more critical stand against Israel’s actions in Gaza and work towards a ceasefire. Agreement has now been reached within the federal government that means Belgium will take part in the European operation but will also do more to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
What are the Belgians sending?
Belgium is sending the frigate Louise-Marie to the Red Sea. The Louise-Marie is one of two Belgian navy frigates. The other vessel, the Leopold I , is currently in maintenance.
The Louise-Marie is a relatively old vessel. She was built in 1989 and Belgium purchased her from the Dutch in 2008. The vessel will be used to protect shipping in a sector of the Red Sea. She is equipped with 16 Sea Sparrow missiles.
Is the Belgian frigate an asset?
VRT defence expert Jens Franssen notes there were hardly any drones around in 1989 when the raft was built. If the Louise-Marie is approached by a fleet of drones she could experience difficulties repelling the attack. Accompanying shipping would be in an even more difficult predicament. Franssen likens the Belgian participation to a ‘show the flag’ operation. Belgium will be present and show how important it believes freedom of navigation through the Red Sea is. The Belgian vessel will not be the only one in the vicinity. At the same time several vessels will guarantee the freedom of navigation.
Belgium now also intends to use its position as the current EU president to increase pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza and to give humanitarian aid convoys access to the Strip.