A German Navy Sea Lynx Mk88A helicopter embarked with frigate Hessen destroyed a Houthi uncrewed surface vessel (USV) in the Red Sea. The Joint Forces Operational Command of Bundeswehr (Einsatzfuehrungskommando) published a short statement about the incident on social media network “X”, formerly Twitter. The statement did not specify the type of helicopter. However Hessen has embarked two Mk88A Sea Lynx as per previously available imagery.
According to the statement the Houthi surface drone was attacking several ships engaged in a tow, termed a “Schleppverband” in the report. Houthi-controlled USV and UUV have previously attacked shipping in the region. American warships have also destroyed similar weapons in comparable incidents.
The Sachsen-class anti-air warfare-frigate continues her tasking as part of EUNAVFOR Aspides according to the statement. No further details are available at this time including characteristics of the Houthi-drone or the conduct of the interception. This is the second case of Western forces using helicopters embarked with a frigate to destroy Houthi-controlled drones. Only days ago a Panther-helicopter of the French Navy shot down an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) in a similar attack.
Mk88A-helicopters are primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and can carry two lightweight torpedoes for that purpose. However the Sea Lynx also routinely engages in boarding operations. The German Navy helicopter can equip a 12.7 mm (.50cal) heavy machine gun operated from a door mount for that task. This weapon presumably saw use in the engagement.
After initially mixed experiences kicking off Hessen’s deployment with EUNAVFOR Aspides, including an intercept failure of a drone later identified as US-operated, this is the second successful operation for the ship. Hessen previously intercepted two Houthi-controlled airborne drones with her main gun and RAM missile defence system. The drones approached the frigate at close range earlier this month when shot down.
This report will include relevant updates once they are available.
Update 23/03: New images added to article released by Bundeswehr after incident, showing the ships in question and Sea Lynx-helicopter.
