Analysis – the EU and maritime power projection
With another renewal of the mandate of the long-running EU maritime security mission in the waters off the Horn of Africa and Arabian Peninsula, the EUNAVFOR deployment looks to have entered a new era.
Launched in December 2008, the EU tasked its Operation Atalanta mission off the Horn of Africa and around the southern flank of the Arabian Peninsula with bringing the threat posed by Somali pirates under control while simultaneously protecting World Food Programme vessels transiting those dangerous waters.
Fast forward 12 years and Operation Atalanta, or EUNAVFOR Somalia as it also known, once again had its mandate renewed by the European Council, finalising the process in late December 2020.
Also renewed at the same time were the two pillars that join Operation Atalanta in its security mission to the region, that
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![European navies line up $105.8 billion in unawarded contracts for 2026]()
European navies line up $105.8 billion in unawarded contracts for 2026
France, Germany and Italy lead the way on unawarded naval defence opportunities that could be awarded this year, but across Europe countries are ramping up their spending efforts to face geopolitical challenges.
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
