Greece's Hydra frigate engages two UAVs in Red Sea
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
The "Hydra" frigate engaged two UAVs in its first engagement in the "Aspides" operation.
nformation from the Naval General Staff states that in the morning hours the frigate "Hydra", as part of its participation in the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES operation ("Shields" operation) in the Gulf of Aden for the protection of merchant ships, fired a cannon at two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), according to the applicable rules of engagement, which were removed.
According to the same information, the frigate continues its mission normally.
The participation of the frigate Hydra in the "Aspides" operation
It is recalled that the "Hydra" frigate sailed from the Salamina naval station at the end of February in order to participate in the "Shields" operation. Her mission will last three months. Its purpose is, as mentioned, the protection of commercial ships sailing in the region, many of which are Greek-owned and pass through the Red Sea, often at risk from attacks by the Houthi rebels.
The characteristics of the frigate "Hydra"
The "Hydra" frigate is the fifth ship to bear this name in the history of the Navy. It is a German-made type MEKO 200 HNfrigate, and the first of her class it is the first frigate of this type. She was launched in Hamburg, Germany in June 1991 and delivered to the Hellenic Navy in October 1992.
In particular, the characteristics of the "Hydra" frigate are as follows:
Dimensions: 117/14.8/6 meters
Displacement: 3,350 tons
Crew: Capacity for 205 people
Speed: 30 knotsPropulsion: CODOG (Combined Diesel Or Gas) 2 LM2500 air turbines and 2 MTU20V diesels
Armament:
1 5-inch/54 gun
2 Phalanx close protection systems
8 K/B E/E Harpoon
16 K/B E/A ESSM (Involved Sea Sparrow Missile)
2 triple T/L Mk32
Countermeasures HE launcher and similar HE equipment
It can carry an S-70B-6 Aegean Hawk helicopter
