The spokesman said the mission, which involves around 200 troops and three speedboats, would end because the force was "underemployed".

The navy accepted in March a request by NATO, which is in overall charge of operations, to prolong its mission by three months until the end of June.

The ships have been used to search for potential terrorist supply routes, carry out coastal watch duties and ensure the safety of transport vessels as part of NATO's "Active Endeavour" anti-terror role in the Mediterranean.

A German frigate and navy tender, with a complement of 150 personnel, are patrolling the eastern Mediterranean.

WAR.WIRE