Operation Aspides, also known as EUNAVFOR Aspides is the European Union (EU)'s own military operation in response to the Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. In contrast to the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian, EU officials have underlined the "purely defensive" nature of EUNAVFOR Aspides. The purpose of the operation is to provide escort to merchant vessels in the area, defend against attacks and increase the maritime surveillance in the region. The name of the operation comes from the Greek word for shields.