The Louise-Marie frigate is equipped with 16 Sea Sparrow anti-aircraft missiles.
Since November, ships crossing the Red Sea have been targeted by Houthi rebels’ missiles and drones. According to the Houthis, in this way they are trying to help Hamas in its war against Israel.
The U.S. and British navies conducted airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen throughout January to deter further attacks.
Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib had already called for Belgium’s participation in the international Red Sea coalition, but the left-wing parties of the united coalition did not want to approve it. The government finally reached an agreement this week.
Louise-Marie was built in 1989. The Netherlands sold it to Belgium in 2008.
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2024-01-20 10:58:39
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