European Union (EU) foreign ministers will meet on Jan. 22 to discuss the bloc’s possible participation in the U.S. initiative to secure commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

The EU’s External Action Service has drawn up initial proposals for the launch of a new joint European military operation, dpa has learned.

The plans envisage the deployment of warships and airborne early warning systems, perhaps using reconnaissance aircraft.

Whether any decision on such a deployment would be made at the meeting was unclear as of Friday.

The Prosperity Guardian operation launched by the United States aims to significantly increase the international military presence in the Red Sea and prevent attacks on ships.

Since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have repeatedly attacked ships with an alleged Israeli connection in the Red Sea.

Major shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the route.