Greek Frigate HYDRA Crew Describes 'Hellish' Red Sea Mission, Highlights Urgent Need for Modernization

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The 205 crew members of the Greek MEKO-class frigate "HYDRA," returning from a perilous 102-day mission in the Red Sea, described their operation as a "suicide mission" due to outdated equipment and inadequate defense systems, highlighting the urgent need for fleet modernization.

Before the second frigate "PSARA" set sail to engage in maneuvers with the "HYDRA" in the Red Sea, a captain from the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (GEETHA) met with the HYDRA's crew. The purpose of this meeting was to reassure the crew and prevent any information leaks to the press about the high risks associated with this mission. The captain reportedly assured the crew of their honor in a special ceremony and allowed all members to submit their resignations, Greek publication iEidiseis reported.

The meeting was to verify the report by iEidiseis on June 10, titled: "Shocking testimonies of members of the 'HYDRA' frigate: 'We are back from hell.'" The crew told the outlet that they felt they had returned "from hell" after 102 days in the Red Sea, describing the mission in grim terms and labeling it a "suicide mission." The MEKO-type frigate HYDRA had not been modernized, making it unable to counter the advanced weapon systems of the Houthis. The frigate lacked an anti-drone protection system, and the crew had to manually attempt to shoot down enemy drones and helicopters, often mistaking stars for drones.

On May 19, a Houthi missile exploded just 150 meters from the HYDRA in the Gulf of Aden while escorting a merchant ship. The Larissa NATO Operations Center notified the frigate's commander about the missile launch one minute after it exploded, causing significant tremors and a large wave. Following this incident, ten crew members requested immediate repatriation when the frigate reached the port of Djibouti. This incident prompted HYDRA's early return in early June instead of the planned end of July.

Crew members highlighted to the Chief of GEETHA that the MEKO-type frigates like "HYDRA" and "PSARA" are outdated and rely on systems unable to address modern threats. Advanced surface units operate in the area, presenting a serious threat to the Greek frigates from ballistic and anti-ship missiles launched by the Houthis.