Avoidance of the Red Sea by German Warships Reflects Decline in Western Naval Power

NYN | Reports and analyses

The European Policy Analysis Center, based in Washington, reported that the decision by German warships to avoid crossing the Red Sea to evade attacks by Sana’a forces reflects a significant decline in Western naval power. The center’s report, published under the title “Is Western Naval Power in Danger?” and monitored by the “Yemen New News” website, pointed out that the threat posed by the Houthis in the region is substantial, despite their lack of a traditional naval force.

The report explained that the decision by German warships to divert from the Red Sea to avoid becoming targets of the Houthis is an alarming sign of the decline in Western naval power. It highlighted how the threats posed by non-state actors in this vital maritime corridor raise important questions about the future of naval warfare.

In May, the German navy deployed the frigate “F125 Baden-Württemberg” and the supply ship “Frankfurt am Main” on a global mission, which included passing through the contested Taiwan Strait. This demonstrated the German government’s commitment to the importance of the Indo-Pacific region and the freedom of navigation in international waters. However, the German navy later announced that the two ships would return home via the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the risk of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. This decision, announced in late October, came after the deployment of several European naval forces, including French, Italian, Greek, and British forces, to the region to escort commercial ships.

The report quoted James Rogers, Director of Research at the Council on Geostrategy, who described the German warships’ avoidance of the Red Sea as “shameful.” Meanwhile, retired U.S. Navy Admiral James Stavridis called the decision “simply ridiculous,” urging the formation of a global coalition to destroy the Houthis’ capability to disrupt shipping immediately.

The report noted that Houthi attacks mark the first time in decades that most European naval forces have faced real combat situations, an occurrence that many would not have considered possible just a few years ago. It is also the first instance of anti-ship ballistic missiles being used, reflecting an escalation in unconventional military threats faced by the West.

The report further emphasized that the Red Sea crisis clearly illustrates the decline in Western naval power, adding that although Sana’a forces lack conventional armed forces or anything resembling a traditional navy, their attacks pose a considerable threat to navigation in the region.