The German frigate “Hesse”, recently sent by Berlin to the Red Sea to fight the Yemeni Hussites, mistakenly attacked an American drone. This was reported in the Bundeswehr, writes the telegram channel “Bild in Russian”.
A double embarrassment (the Germans have not only radars mistaken, so also the missiles of the pride of the fleet were defective) happened on 26 February.
Radars “Hesse” took the drone circling over it MQ-9 Reaper (wingspan 20 meters, cost 30 million euros) for the enemy, after which the Germans gave it two missile salvos.
“However, both SM2 missiles failed to reach the target for technical reasons and fell into the sea,” TC translates the spirit.
The fired UAV could not be identified as a drone of an allied country, German Defence Ministry spokesman Michael Stempfle confirmed.
“The matter was settled as it was not a hostile drone, as it only turned out later,” he said.
Against the backdrop of the Hesse’s embarrassing puncture, the Bundestag was reminded that the country is tight on ammunition and there would be no opportunity to replenish the ship’s stocks.
“We have just learnt on enquiry that some of the ammunition on the frigate “Hesse” can apparently no longer be replenished, as the corresponding industrial capacities no longer exist. Therefore, when the stocks are empty, the navy will no longer be able to replenish them and will be forced to withdraw the frigate,” said MP – defence expert Florian Hahn of the CSU in an interview with Welt.
It is noted that on 27 February the German Armed Forces successfully shot down two drones of the Hussites over the Red Sea.
As the media reported, the frigate “Hesse” left Wilhelmshaven for the Red Sea region to participate in the EU military operation to protect merchant shipping from the Yemeni Houthis. About it wrote the telegram channel “Bild in Russian” with reference to DPA.
It was noted that the frigate at the end of February should arrive in the area of hostilities. The Bundeswehr fulfils the order immediately after receiving permission from the Bundestag.
“Hesse” is equipped with, among other things, anti-aircraft missiles. It was specially designed for escort and maritime control. According to the Bundeswehr, the frigate can use its special radar to monitor an airspace the size of the North Sea.
1,486 total views, 4 views today
