German Frigate Fire Two Missile on US Drone in Red Sea by Mistake

Defense News ,Red Sea :-  A German navy ship, the "Hesse" frigate, nearly shot down a US drone while protecting commercial ships in the Red Sea, as reported by German media. The incident occurred on Monday, and the German defense ministry confirmed it without disclosing the country involved.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius explained that the frigate opened fire when attempts to identify the unknown drone failed. Fortunately, the shots did not hit the drone, later identified as a "reconnaissance drone." The frigate launched two missiles, but they both crashed into the sea due to technical issues.

According to Der Spiegel, the almost-targeted drone was a US Reaper, possibly part of an unrelated anti-terror mission. The German defense ministry clarified that the frigate attacked only after its allies reported no drone presence in the area.

Military officials expressed concern about the incident, emphasizing the need for improved coordination between allies involved in missions around Yemen. The "Hesse" frigate had recently joined an EU mission to safeguard international shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis.

Earlier, the frigate successfully thwarted an attack by shooting down two drones launched by the Houthis. The rebel group has targeted the vital shipping lane since November, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The United States leads its naval coalition in the Red Sea, conducting strikes against the Houthis along with Britain. Reports suggest that American combat drones, unrelated to the Red Sea mission, are commonly used in the region. The incident underscores the importance of enhancing communication and coordination among allies engaged in various missions around Yemen.