In a recent incident in the Red Sea, the German naval frigate Hesse, deployed as part of an EU mission to protect commercial ships from potential threats, inadvertently targeted a US reconnaissance drone with missile fire.
The incident, first reported by German news outlet Augengeradeaus, and partially confirmed by the German Defense Ministry, took place on Monday and involved the accidental launch of two missiles at what was initially unidentified as a hostile drone. The drone, later identified as a US Reaper, was part of an American anti-terror mission unrelated to the EU’s efforts in the Red Sea. The missiles ultimately missed their target due to a technical defect, preventing any damage to the drone.
Following this misfire, the Hesse successfully engaged in defensive actions against two drones launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis. These successful interceptions by the Hesse occurred on Wednesday, within days of the near miss with the US drone. The operation may represent the first known use of live weapons in combat by the modern German Navy since its reestablishment post-World War II, marking a significant moment in the history of Germany’s naval operations.
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