French Frigate Downed Red Sea Missile Approaching Belgian Mine Hunter

A French frigate, part of the force assigned to patrol the Red Sea region, recently downed a missile that was approaching a Belgian mine hunter. According to reports in the Belgian media, the mine hunter was transiting the region around the Bab el-Mendeb and the Houthi-held areas of Yemen when the missile was spotted.

The Belgian outlet De Morgen first reported the interception, and it has now been confirmed by the Belgian Ministry of Defense to the broadcaster VRT NWS. Exact details on the timing of the incident were not given, but the reports say it took place in mid-October.

The Primula, a Tripartite-class minehunter commissioned in 1990, was dispatched to the region as part of a potential European Union-led effort for the Strait of Hormuz. Belgian sources said the 51.5-meter (169-foot) vessel lacks modern anti-missile defense capabilities and was sailing with an unnamed French frigate.

Belgian sources are saying they think it was unlikely the Houthis were targeting the mine hunter. They are speculating it might have been a warning shot, a general show of force, or possibly an errant launch that was to have been directed at Saudi forces. The reports also said it appeared to have been a ballistic missile as opposed to an anti-ship missile.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →