Rear-Admiral Hudson (Uk): commanding Atalanta, an “invigorating challenge”

(BRUSSELS2 / In Gothenburg) An informal meeting is also an opportunity for a journalist to meet a few people, on the edge of a table. Gothenburg has not failed in tradition. British Rear Admiral Hudson – who has been commanding the EU anti-piracy force “Atalanta” in the Gulf since last June – was naturally among the people I wanted to see. The interview was express - less than 8 minutes all inclusive - but productive... Hudson has the temperament that I like in the British, warm, direct, also very political. So, he always remained very careful, taking care not to overflow his role

Normally in post until June 2010, Hudson's main task today is to ensure the continuity of the Atalanta operation in 2010. Of course, that's where we started! The commander thus confirmed the future commands of the force (read also), clarified what it lacked (particularly patrol planes), commented on the asset of the Awacs (details here) and mentioned the ongoing negotiations of pirate transfer agreements (Seychelles and Tanzania, read also). Finally, we talked about what it brought him to command Atalanta ("a great opportunity to discover the ESDP"), and the British commitment to the ESDP (delicate subject…).

• The generation of force for the year 2010 is progressing, what are you missing?
“The countries have been very generous because they realize the usefulness of this mission. They provided ships, men, planes. But we still lack patrol planes. Luxembourg, Spain, Germany, France have given us some. But, to cover this huge area of ​​two million m2, we must have additional equipment to spot pirate ships. »

• Who will command the force during this period, the Italians, the French...?
" Effectively. After the Dutch, the force command will be ensured first by Italy, then Sweden and finally France”.

• The French made an Awacs available at the beginning of September. Useful ?
“The advantage of Awacs is that it covers a large area. Its effectiveness is that it allows us to give a clear image of the area, to identify the merchant ships present in the area, more than possible pirate ships. We could thus better warn of the risks run or advise them of the routes. »

• For the transfer of pirates, where are you? After Kenya, the Seychelles, Tanzania, other agreements in perspective?
“In general, we discuss with all the States of the region: Djibouti, Yemen, Oman, Mauritius, Madagascar, Tanzania. We have a good agreement with Kenya. And, indeed, we are working to reach an agreement with the Seychelles. We will continue to work with Tanzania. In this country, there is a national consensus on piracy, they are very sensitive to this issue. As for an agreement, it is too early to say, there are still a number of points to settle. »

• We are more used to seeing British commanders in NATO than in the EU….
"It's true (laughs). »

• … for you personally, professionally what does it change?
“It's a big challenge, personal, professional. It's a professional opportunity to which I was not prepared, not accustomed: the ESDP, with all the aspects of cross-crisis management. It's very invigorating personally. »

• Does this commitment imply a change in the British attitude on the ESDP?
“For the ESDP, I am not your man, I am a soldier. It is a totally political decision. Militarily, we participate (in the ESDP) on a case-by-case basis. The United Kingdom is fully committed to Atalanta. And we are delighted with the success of the operation. ".

• Do you see a difference between a NATO operation and an EU operation?
"We must not lose sight of the fact that there are currently 20 nations operating in the Gulf: EU ships, NATO ships and the national forces of several countries (India, Russia, Malaysia Korea, ... ). The great advantage we have is to have the same objective to deter, disrupt, suppress piracy. That said, the EU, NATO, other nations may have different mandates and objectives, different motivations. But the foundation of our presence, all of us, in the Gulf is common. There is a political and military convergence, to provide useful strategic support for world trade, to be sure that the most vulnerable ships are protected, that humanitarian aid arrives. On the ground, on the sea, we have the same objective. And it works well. We work very collectively. »