Germany deploys the frigate Hessen to the Red Sea for a European mission to safeguard trade routes against Houthi rebel attacks.

• The frigate Hessen is deployed to protect one of the world's most important trade routes vital to the German economy.
• The Hessen has already been involved in action by shooting down two drones.

International forces including the US and Britain join the effort to secure the Red Sea trade routes.

• US and Britain also deploy forces to protect commercial shipping in the region.

The German warship Hessen nearly shoots down a US drone by mistake.

• Soon after its arrival, the Hessen almost shot down a US drone due to it not being properly identified as friendly.

Reports suggest the German frigate could quickly run out of ammunition, raising operational questions.

• There are reports that the Hessen could face ammunition shortages, sparking a debate about Germany's military preparedness.

Christian Mölling explains Germany's strategic interests in participating in the Red Sea mission.

• Germany's participation in the mission is crucial due to the importance of the trade route for imports and exports.
• The mission also aims to reduce the burden on Americans who have been primarily protecting these sea lines.

The frigate Hessen's capabilities are evaluated in the context of the mission's requirements.

• The Hessen is specialized in air defense and is deemed suitable for countering current threats in the Red Sea.
• Other ships in the region support the Hessen, ensuring shared responsibilities.

Germany faces limitations in naval capacity due to personnel and ammunition shortages.

• Despite having other ships, Germany is constrained by shortages of personnel and ammunition, limiting its ability to deploy forces.

An incident involving the near-shootdown of a US drone highlights the challenges of friend-or-foe identification.

• The Hessen nearly engaged a US drone due to a failure in transponder-based friend identification systems.
• Difficulty in electronically identifying aircraft can lead to defensive actions against unknown targets.

The frigate Hessen's issues with ammunition resupply are explored in detail.

• The frigate has difficulties in restocking its long-range missile, the Standard Missile 2, due to insufficient stocks.
• The missile shortage not only affects the Red Sea mission but also poses broader concerns for alliance defense.

Christian Mölling breaks down the frigate's air defense systems and the implications of ammunition shortages.

• The Hessen is equipped with three air defense systems, with the Standard Missile 2 for long-range defense facing restocking issues.
• Shortages in long-range missiles increase risk and limit operational choices for defense.

The strategic implications of the Hessen's ammunition shortage are discussed, including operational secrecy and potential actions.

• The exact ammunition stock levels are kept secret for operational security, but shortages are acknowledged as a significant problem.
• Germany must consider various options, including borrowing from allies or ramping up production, to address these shortages.

Years of defense budget cuts have led to limited German military capabilities and current logistical challenges.

• Budget cuts have resulted in a lack of ammunition, which is now becoming critical for operations like the one in the Red Sea.
• The German military has been traditionally deployed within alliances, but current capabilities are limited.

The public knowledge of the Hessen's ammunition issues may send signals to potential adversaries in the region.

• Publicly known ammunition shortages could inform adversaries about the limitations of the German frigate's capabilities.

Germany must assess its ammunition stock, seek help from allies, and consider ramping up production to sustain its Red Sea mission.

• Germany is assessing its ammunition reserves and exploring options to secure additional resources from allies or through domestic production.

The current situation influences the domestic debate on German defense spending and highlights the need for substantial investment.

• The ammunition shortage and the mission's constraints contribute to the German debate on defense financing and the necessity of the special fund.
• The situation underscores the relationship between military capability and economic welfare.

The economic imperatives behind Germany's military participation in protecting trade routes are emphasized.

• Germany's military presence in the Red Sea is driven by economic needs and the importance of maintaining secure trade routes.
• The frigate's deployment is a product of what Germany can currently afford to send, reflecting past defense cuts.

The military presence in the Red Sea, including the German frigate, is evaluated for its effectiveness in deterring conflict.

• The deployment's effectiveness is tied to the division of labor with other forces in the region and the broader geopolitical interests of allies.