U.S. military officials are collaborating with the European Union to investigate an incident involving the German frigate Hessen, which fired two Standard Missile-2 interceptors at an MQ-9 drone earlier this week during a naval protection mission in the Red Sea. The attempt, reported by the German military news website Augengeradeaus, resulted in both missiles missing their target. The drone, flying without a transponder, was undamaged and continued its mission. The U.S. defense official confirmed the targeting of the drone on February 27 and highlighted the ongoing coordination with EU and Operation Aspides to ensure safe airspace practices. Germany's air defense frigate Hessen had received parliamentary approval to participate in Operation Aspides while en route to the Red Sea. The operation aims to protect marine traffic from drone and missile attacks in the vital cargo route. The incident was acknowledged by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on the same day, who confirmed the downing of two hostile drones and two failed interception attempts of an unspecified aircraft. Further details regarding the circumstances leading to the event are yet to be disclosed.