In an increasingly volatile global landscape, maritime security has emerged as a critical concern for nations with vested interests in international shipping routes and the broader geopolitical balance. Recent developments have highlighted this fact as Germany’s Ministry of Defense decided to reroute two of its naval vessels—the frigate Baden-Württemberg and the replenishment ship Frankfurt am Main—away from the Red Sea and through the Cape of Good Hope. This decision, based on the heightened threat posed by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militants, marks a significant shift in Germany’s Indo-Pacific strategy and has raised questions about the current and future capabilities of European maritime forces to navigate and secure these high-risk areas.
Germany’s rerouting of these warships underscores a broader set of issues facing modern naval forces operating in contested waters. From the strategic importance of the Red Sea as a major artery for global shipping to the ongoing anti-shipping campaigns by the Houthis, Germany’s cautious approach reflects a calculated response to avoid escalating confrontations. However, this choice also reveals potential limitations in the German Navy’s air defense capabilities, sparking discussion about the adequacy of its ships’ design and equipment when facing complex, multi-dimensional threats in hostile environments.
This article aims to explore the multifaceted implications of Germany’s decision, examining the historical context of naval engagements in high-risk regions, the evolution of maritime threats, and the emerging challenges that modern navies encounter in maintaining open and secure waters. Drawing on data from recent naval missions, expert analyses, and case studies of multinational efforts, this article delves into Germany’s Indo-Pacific deployment strategy, the operational challenges posed by the Red Sea’s security threats, and the possible future shifts in maritime defense policies globally.
Key Questions Addressed in This Article:
- What historical and strategic importance does the Red Sea hold in global trade and military strategy?
- How have recent developments in the Red Sea, particularly the Houthi anti-shipping campaign, reshaped international naval operations?
- What are the limitations of current German naval assets, such as the Baden-Württemberg class frigates, in facing modern warfare threats like missile and drone attacks?
- How are international coalitions and alliances responding to the rise of asymmetric maritime threats in conflict zones?
- What are the future implications for Germany and its allies in terms of policy, naval asset design, and global collaboration for securing high-risk maritime regions?
Historical Background
The Red Sea has long been a critical corridor for global trade, connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal. As one of the world’s most vital shipping routes, this narrow body of water has often been the focus of geopolitical contention and military conflict. From the 19th-century colonial struggles to the 20th-century oil crises, the Red Sea’s strategic significance has only grown, with major powers vying for control over its waters to secure both economic interests and military positioning.
Evolution of Security Threats in the Red Sea
In recent decades, the Red Sea has witnessed a transformation in the nature of threats to maritime security. Traditionally, naval operations in the region were centered around deterring piracy, maintaining the free flow of oil and goods, and countering state-based threats. However, the ongoing conflict in Yemen has introduced a new level of complexity, as Iran-backed Houthi rebels have escalated their anti-shipping campaign, targeting both commercial vessels and military assets with missiles, drones, and even advanced anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs).
The Houthi anti-shipping campaign represents an evolution of asymmetric warfare tactics, combining low-cost, high-impact methods with sophisticated weaponry, including cruise missiles and unmanned aerial and maritime drones. These tactics not only disrupt commercial shipping but also challenge the traditional security paradigms of state-led maritime coalitions, which rely on standardized naval defenses against more conventional threats. The region’s dynamics underscore a broader trend: the rise of asymmetric threats that require a recalibration of naval defense strategies globally.
Germany’s Naval Role and Strategic Shift
Germany’s naval deployments have traditionally focused on stabilization missions, including peacekeeping, crisis management, and humanitarian interventions, often in cooperation with NATO allies or European-led coalitions. The German Navy’s relatively recent foray into the Indo-Pacific signals a strategic pivot towards expanding its influence in regions beyond Europe. However, the rerouting of the Baden-Württemberg and Frankfurt am Main vessels around the Cape of Good Hope in response to Houthi threats suggests an inherent limitation in Germany’s naval approach—specifically, a lack of sufficient air defense capabilities in certain classes of ships, such as the F125 Baden-Württemberg frigate.
The decision to avoid the Red Sea highlights the challenges faced by German naval forces in adapting to the region’s asymmetric threat landscape. Unlike the F124 Sachsen-class frigates, which are better equipped with advanced air defense systems, the F125 frigates lack the necessary armament for sustained defense against the kinds of threats posed by Houthi forces. This disparity in defensive capabilities within Germany’s naval fleet may compel the country to rethink the strategic design and deployment of its naval assets.
Current State of Affairs
The security landscape in the Red Sea has grown increasingly volatile, influenced not only by longstanding geopolitical rivalries but also by the rising threat of non-state actors employing advanced weaponry and tactics. The Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, have been particularly active, deploying cruise missiles, unmanned aerial and maritime drones, and even ballistic missiles against commercial and military vessels in the region. This escalation has not only disrupted shipping routes but also exposed significant vulnerabilities in the defensive postures of naval forces from multiple nations, including Germany.
Data-Driven Insights on the Red Sea Threat Environment
The Red Sea is one of the busiest maritime passages globally, with approximately 12% of the world’s trade transiting through the Suez Canal. Recent reports from the International Maritime Bureau have highlighted an uptick in maritime incidents attributed to Houthi forces, affecting both commercial vessels and regional naval assets. According to data compiled from various incident reports, Houthi forces have engaged in over 60 documented attacks on vessels transiting the Red Sea in the past year alone. These attacks include both direct strikes on ships and indirect disruptions, such as mines placed strategically along transit routes.
Among the notable incidents was the March 6, 2024, attack on the Liberian-owned bulk carrier M/V True Confidence, struck by a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile. This attack resulted in multiple fatalities and significant damage to the vessel, underscoring the Houthis’ increasing capability to conduct long-range, precise attacks. The multinational response to such incidents remains limited, as evidenced by the decision of various commercial entities to reroute vessels to avoid the Red Sea, thus incurring higher costs and extended delivery times.
German Naval Limitations in the Red Sea
Germany’s current naval assets, particularly the F125 Baden-Württemberg class frigates, are designed primarily for stabilization and peacekeeping missions rather than high-intensity conflict. Unlike the F124 Sachsen class, which is equipped with sophisticated air defense systems, the F125 frigates lack the capacity to engage threats beyond close quarters, such as the roughly 5.6-mile engagement range of their RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) systems. This limitation is exacerbated by the frigates’ focus on gun-based defenses, which are not adequate against the types of aerial and ballistic threats present in the Red Sea today.
Operational Challenges in Securing High-Risk Waters
The security demands in the Red Sea have strained the operational capacities of Germany and its allied forces. The German Ministry of Defense has acknowledged the logistical and resource-based limitations facing its navy, particularly in maintaining a consistent presence in hostile environments like the Red Sea. Furthermore, Germany’s naval strategy has traditionally emphasized multilateral missions, with German vessels often supporting NATO-led or European Union-directed operations. However, the situation in the Red Sea has pushed the limits of these collaborative frameworks, with Germany’s allies also stretched thin by commitments in other high-tension zones such as the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Europe.
International coalitions, such as the U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian and the European-led Operation Aspides, were established to ensure the security of Red Sea shipping lanes. However, the effectiveness of these missions is increasingly questioned, as they require a level of sustained commitment and technological advancement that current resources and operational strategies may not fully support.
Core Issues and Challenges
The Houthi anti-shipping campaign in the Red Sea has brought to light a set of critical challenges for modern naval forces, especially as traditional maritime security models encounter the limitations of asymmetric threats. These challenges range from technological constraints and resource limitations to logistical hurdles and the strategic shortcomings in dealing with non-state actors.
The Challenge of Asymmetric Warfare
Asymmetric warfare in maritime contexts involves tactics that exploit the vulnerabilities of larger, technologically advanced naval forces through the use of cost-effective, unconventional means. The Houthi rebels have become adept at deploying such tactics, using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), maritime drones, and low-cost anti-ship missiles to disrupt shipping and threaten naval assets. This approach puts even well-equipped navies at a disadvantage, as traditional defenses are often optimized for state-based threats rather than dispersed, agile attacks from non-state actors.
The Houthis’ use of drones represents a particularly challenging aspect of asymmetric warfare, as these unmanned systems can be deployed rapidly and are difficult to detect and intercept at low altitudes. German naval forces, in particular, face substantial risks in countering drone attacks, given the limited air defense systems onboard their F125 frigates. These limitations not only endanger the safety of German naval vessels but also hinder their ability to operate effectively alongside allies in high-threat environments.
Technological Gaps in Germany’s Naval Assets
The F125 Baden-Württemberg class frigates, despite their size and cost, have been criticized for lacking robust area air defense capabilities. Designed for stabilization missions rather than full-scale combat, these frigates rely on short-range weapons like the RAM system and various gun-based defenses. This configuration, while suitable for lower-intensity missions, is inadequate for regions like the Red Sea, where the threat of missile and drone attacks is a constant concern.
In contrast, Germany’s F124 Sachsen class frigates are equipped with the Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS) and capable of deploying advanced surface-to-air missiles, such as the SM-2 Block IIIA and RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM). This air defense capability is essential in high-threat zones, providing a layered defense against both aerial and missile threats. The absence of such capabilities on the F125 class underscores a significant design gap that limits Germany’s operational flexibility and response capacity in hostile waters.
Logistical and Resource Constraints
Germany’s decision to reroute its vessels around the Cape of Good Hope instead of traversing the Red Sea reflects the logistical constraints facing the German Navy. Maintaining a naval presence in conflict zones like the Red Sea requires substantial resources—not only in terms of fuel and provisions but also in terms of munitions and maintenance support. The high operational tempo in such regions can place significant strain on supply lines and necessitate frequent resupply missions, which are logistically challenging when operating far from home ports.
Moreover, Germany’s participation in international coalitions, such as Operation Aspides, demands a level of commitment that stretches the German Navy’s already limited resources. The availability of other allied warships to provide air defense cover is often inconsistent, and as noted by German Ministry of Defense officials, “escort was currently not possible” in the Red Sea due to the lack of available assets. This lack of consistent air defense coverage only heightens the risks for German vessels operating in this volatile region.
Real-World Case Studies
Recent incidents in the Red Sea highlight the limitations and challenges faced by German and allied forces in countering Houthi threats:
- Frigate Hessen’s Deployment (2024): The German frigate Hessen, an F124 class vessel, was deployed in the Red Sea earlier in 2024 as part of Operation Aspides. During its mission, Hessen successfully repelled several Houthi attacks, intercepting drones and missiles using its advanced air defense systems. However, the frigate’s deployment was brief, as resource constraints and equipment wear necessitated its return to Germany. This incident underscores the difficulty of sustaining advanced naval assets in prolonged high-threat operations without compromising their readiness.
- Danish Frigate Iver Huitfeldt’s Air Defense Failures (2024): The Danish Navy’s Iver Huitfeldt class frigate faced significant challenges during its mission in the Red Sea, suffering radar malfunctions and missile system failures amid a Houthi drone attack. This incident, which also led to the sacking of the head of the Danish Armed Forces, highlights the vulnerabilities that even well-equipped navies can encounter when faced with sustained asymmetric threats.
- Anti-Ship Missile Attack on M/V True Confidence (2024): The Houthi strike on the M/V True Confidence in March 2024 demonstrated the potency of anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) in the hands of non-state actors. The resulting fatalities and vessel damage underscored the serious risks to commercial shipping in the region and raised questions about the ability of international forces to safeguard civilian maritime traffic.
Ethical and Regulatory Challenges
The presence of armed naval vessels in contested waters also raises ethical and regulatory questions about the rules of engagement and the protection of civilian shipping lanes. Germany, as a member of the European Union, adheres to strict rules regarding the use of force, which can complicate operational decisions in conflict zones. These constraints require German naval commanders to balance the need for self-defense with the principles of proportionality and civilian safety.
Furthermore, the evolving threat landscape has prompted calls for regulatory updates to international maritime security protocols, particularly regarding the use of unmanned systems and ballistic missiles by non-state actors. Existing frameworks, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), do not fully address these modern security challenges, leaving gaps in enforcement and protection for both military and civilian vessels.
Innovative Solutions and Developments
As the asymmetric threats in the Red Sea and similar conflict zones grow more sophisticated, military forces around the world are investing in cutting-edge technologies and collaborative strategies to enhance their maritime defense capabilities. These innovations range from advancements in air defense systems and unmanned technologies to enhanced international cooperation frameworks. Germany and its allies are actively exploring these solutions to better safeguard their vessels and ensure the security of vital maritime routes.
Emerging Technologies in Air Defense
The limited air defense capabilities of Germany’s F125 Baden-Württemberg class frigates underscore the need for enhanced defensive technology. Advanced air defense systems that can intercept missiles and drones at greater ranges are becoming critical for operations in contested regions like the Red Sea. Recognizing these gaps, Germany and its allies are looking into several promising technologies:
- Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs): Directed energy weapons, including laser systems, are emerging as viable solutions for countering drones, small missiles, and other low-cost aerial threats. DEWs offer several advantages over conventional missile systems, including a near-instantaneous response time and a theoretically unlimited number of “shots” as long as sufficient power is available. The U.S. Navy and several European allies are experimenting with ship-mounted lasers, which could complement conventional missile defenses on German ships like the F125, allowing them to intercept low-altitude threats that might evade traditional radar detection.
- AI-Enhanced Threat Detection and Response: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into naval defense systems to enhance the speed and accuracy of threat identification and response. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of sensor data to detect anomalies, predict attack trajectories, and recommend countermeasures faster than human operators alone could manage. In high-stress environments like the Red Sea, where multiple threats can emerge simultaneously, AI-driven systems provide a valuable tool for prioritizing targets and coordinating defensive actions in real-time.
- Long-Range Missile Interceptors: Given the threat posed by anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs), Germany and other NATO countries are considering upgrades to their vertical launch systems to accommodate longer-range interceptors. The SM-6 missile, for example, offers both anti-air and anti-ballistic capabilities and could serve as a crucial defense against ASBMs in regions where non-state actors possess these advanced weapons. Integrating such missiles into future German naval designs would help mitigate the risk from these high-speed, long-range threats.
Collaborative Defense Initiatives
Beyond technological advancements, Germany and its allies are enhancing cooperation and coordination to address the security challenges in the Red Sea. Collaborative defense initiatives enable countries to share intelligence, pool resources, and conduct joint operations, thereby multiplying their defensive capabilities.
- Expanded Multinational Task Forces: The U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian and European-led Operation Aspides have laid the groundwork for a multinational approach to Red Sea security. However, these coalitions are only as effective as their member states’ level of commitment and resourcing. Germany and its partners are exploring ways to bolster these task forces through increased joint training exercises, intelligence-sharing agreements, and standardized protocols for responding to threats. For instance, the recent joint exercises under Pacific Skies 2024 and Pacific Waves 2024 involved both German and U.S. forces, strengthening their interoperability and readiness for cooperative missions in contested zones.
- Real-Time Intelligence Sharing: Effective maritime security requires real-time intelligence on threats as they emerge. Coalition forces are working to improve communication and data-sharing protocols to quickly relay information about potential threats, including drone and missile launches, vessel movements, and suspicious activity. Technologies such as the Link 16 tactical data exchange network allow Germany and its allies to synchronize their threat responses, providing a seamless flow of information between vessels and command centers.
- International Naval Training Programs: In response to the limitations exposed by recent conflicts, NATO and the European Union have initiated a series of training programs to prepare naval personnel for asymmetric threat environments. These programs focus on improving the skills needed for counter-drone operations, air defense under high-stress conditions, and managing electronic warfare threats. Germany has committed resources to these training efforts, recognizing the need for its personnel to be proficient in handling the range of threats now present in regions like the Red Sea.
Future-Ready Naval Design and Tactical Adaptations
Germany’s experience in the Red Sea and its current naval limitations have highlighted the need for future-ready naval designs that can better withstand high-intensity conflict scenarios. This realization is driving changes in both ship design and tactical approaches within the German Navy.
- Next-Generation Frigate Designs: Recognizing the limitations of the F125 Baden-Württemberg class, Germany is considering upgrades for future ship classes that include enhanced air and missile defense systems. Concepts for next-generation frigates involve modular designs that allow for the easy integration of new weapon systems, sensors, and electronic warfare capabilities. Such flexibility is critical in adapting to evolving threat environments, enabling the German Navy to upgrade its ships more easily as new technologies become available.
- Dual-Use Helicopters and UAVs: Both the F124 and F125 frigates can currently deploy Sea Lynx helicopters, which are used for surveillance and limited defense operations. To increase their operational reach and air defense capabilities, Germany is exploring the integration of dual-use UAVs that can carry out both reconnaissance and interception roles. These UAVs could serve as force multipliers, extending the ships’ defensive perimeters and providing early warnings of approaching threats.
- Layered Defense Tactics: Given the complexity of threats in high-risk waters, German naval commanders are adopting layered defense strategies that incorporate multiple levels of protection. This approach combines long-range missile interceptors, mid-range guns, and close-in weapon systems (CIWS) to address different types of threats at varying distances. Layered defense not only increases the chances of intercepting an attack but also allows vessels to prioritize their responses based on the proximity and type of threat, reducing the risk of being overwhelmed by multiple simultaneous attacks.
Case Studies of Successful Innovations
Several recent instances illustrate how advanced technologies and collaborative efforts are effectively addressing similar challenges faced by navies worldwide:
- The U.S. Navy’s Laser Weapons on the USS Portland: The USS Portland successfully tested a 150-kilowatt laser weapon system against a drone in the Gulf of Aden in 2021. This demonstration underscored the potential of DEWs for countering low-cost threats in high-threat zones. The U.S. Navy’s investment in such technologies is influencing Germany and other NATO allies to consider similar systems for their own vessels.
- NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) System: NATO’s IAMD system represents a model of integrated defense that combines resources from multiple nations to provide a seamless air defense network. This system has shown success in protecting high-value targets in conflict zones and serves as a template for future multinational efforts to secure the Red Sea.
- Israel’s Iron Dome for Naval Use: Israel has adapted its Iron Dome missile defense system for maritime applications, successfully intercepting drones and short-range missiles launched at its vessels. The system’s success has encouraged other nations, including Germany, to explore compact, highly effective missile defense systems that can be deployed on smaller naval assets.
Global Perspectives
Germany’s decision to reroute its naval assets highlights a broader set of challenges faced by countries operating in contested maritime regions around the world. Nations like the United States, France, and Denmark, each with vested interests in maintaining open and secure trade routes, have responded to similar threats with varied approaches.
Comparative Analysis of International Naval Policies
Each country’s strategy for securing high-risk maritime regions reflects its unique military priorities, budget constraints, and alliance commitments. The U.S., with its global naval presence, has maintained a continuous deployment in the Red Sea as part of a broader commitment to the Gulf and Indian Ocean. France, on the other hand, has adopted a targeted approach, deploying forces to the region on a mission-by-mission basis. Denmark’s involvement, seen in its deployment of the Iver Huitfeldt class frigate, underscores the challenges smaller navies face in balancing capabilities with resource constraints.
Economic and Diplomatic Dimensions of the Red Sea Conflict
The security of the Red Sea holds significant economic implications, as disruptions to trade routes impact global markets. Rising insurance costs and the increased risk of rerouting have led to economic losses for shipping companies and affected the price of goods transported through the region. Diplomatically, countries with a stake in the Red Sea have engaged in dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict, while also negotiating with allies for shared security arrangements that lessen the burden on individual states.
Trends in Global Collaboration and Conflict
In response to the rising threat of anti-shipping campaigns, nations have turned to multilateral frameworks for solutions. However, the sustainability of these alliances is a concern, as differing national interests and resource commitments may strain long-term cooperation. Recent developments, such as Russia’s rumored involvement in supporting the Houthis, add complexity to these alliances and underscore the need for ongoing diplomatic engagement and contingency planning.
The Future Outlook
In the coming years, Germany and its allies are likely to encounter an increasingly complex security environment in the Red Sea and other high-risk maritime zones. This section will provide forward-looking analysis on potential developments, including advancements in naval defense technology, shifts in regional power dynamics, and evolving strategies for multilateral cooperation.
Predictions for Maritime Security Threats
As non-state actors continue to innovate, the threat landscape in the Red Sea will evolve to include more advanced missile systems, AI-driven autonomous drones, and hybrid warfare tactics that blend cyber operations with physical attacks. These developments will require Germany and other countries to continually upgrade their defenses and adopt more flexible, adaptive strategies.
Strategic Recommendations for German Naval Policy
To address its current limitations, Germany may consider increasing investments in long-range air defense systems, enhancing training for its personnel in asymmetric threat environments, and pursuing alliances that provide support in regions where German assets are less equipped for self-defense.
In conclusion …..
The German Navy’s recent decision to reroute its vessels away from the Red Sea through the Cape of Good Hope has highlighted the complex challenges of maintaining secure passage through one of the world’s most strategically important but dangerous maritime corridors. This decision underscores both the immediate risks posed by non-state actors like Yemen’s Houthi rebels and the longer-term implications of emerging, asymmetric threats in contested waters worldwide.
The increasing use of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles by groups such as the Houthis has introduced a new era of asymmetric maritime warfare that defies traditional security approaches. These low-cost, high-impact tactics not only disrupt the flow of international trade but also place unprecedented demands on modern naval forces, challenging them to adapt and evolve in real-time. For Germany, this incident has emphasized the limitations of its current naval assets, particularly the F125 Baden-Württemberg class frigates, which lack the layered air defense capabilities required to withstand such complex threats.
Key Takeaways and Strategic Lessons The challenges faced by Germany in the Red Sea illustrate a broader lesson for maritime security strategies worldwide: the need for flexibility, adaptability, and resilience in the face of unpredictable threats. Several key takeaways emerge from this analysis:
- Enhanced Air Defense Capabilities Are Essential: The lack of long-range air defense on the F125 class frigates places Germany’s naval forces at a disadvantage in high-threat areas like the Red Sea. Investing in systems that can intercept threats at greater distances, such as the SM-6 missile or directed energy weapons, is critical for future deployments. Germany may need to consider these capabilities in the design of future naval assets to ensure its vessels are better equipped for diverse threat environments.
- Investment in Multilateral Defense Initiatives Is Key: The international response to the security threats in the Red Sea demonstrates the importance of collaborative defense initiatives. Operations such as Prosperity Guardian and Aspides have shown that coalition efforts can achieve a higher level of security and resilience than individual national forces alone. Germany’s ongoing participation in these operations, along with its support of NATO and European Union missions, reinforces the value of alliances and the shared responsibility of securing global trade routes.
- Adapting to Asymmetric Warfare Requires Innovative Solutions: As non-state actors employ increasingly sophisticated methods, traditional defense strategies must be complemented by innovative solutions such as AI-driven threat detection and real-time intelligence sharing. Directed energy weapons, dual-use UAVs, and AI-enhanced response systems represent the next frontier in maritime security and hold promise for addressing the unique challenges posed by asymmetric warfare.
The Importance of Proactive Adaptation in Global Maritime Security Looking forward, Germany and its allies must remain proactive in their approach to maritime security. The evolution of threats in the Red Sea and other contested waters will continue to demand adaptive strategies that combine advanced technology, multinational cooperation, and a readiness to engage in high-stakes security environments. As geopolitical tensions rise, the demand for a secure and stable global maritime network will only grow, underscoring the need for ongoing investments in both technology and international diplomacy.
While the current situation has forced Germany to adjust its deployment strategy, it also presents an opportunity to reevaluate and strengthen its naval defense posture. By leveraging new technologies and deepening its alliances, Germany can ensure that its naval forces are prepared not only for today’s threats but also for the challenges of tomorrow. Ultimately, the proactive adaptation of Germany’s naval strategy will serve as a model for other nations navigating similar security concerns, reaffirming the importance of collective defense in an era defined by complex, asymmetric threats.
In conclusion, the security of the Red Sea and similar maritime regions represents a shared responsibility that transcends national borders. Through a combination of enhanced defense capabilities, strategic alliances, and innovative approaches to asymmetric warfare, Germany and its allies can work together to protect the global maritime network, ensuring stability and safety for commercial and military vessels alike. As Germany continues to adapt and modernize its naval forces, the lessons learned from the Red Sea will serve as a vital foundation for future efforts to secure the world’s most essential shipping lanes against emerging threats.
