Pre Libya no-fly-zone buildup

[Richard from Rotterdam]

This is probably more a request than anything else, but are there already signs of a buildup of a possible no fly zone for Libya?

Over the last weeks various patrol aircraft, AEW, etc have been sighted in the wider Mediterranean theatre, but have any jets (possibly British or French) move southward already?

[wamovements]

As far as I know: No fighters moved southwards yet.

I know Denmark has 4 F-16's ready and in France are some Rafales ready for action as well.

Patrol aircraft include :
RAF
2x E-3D
1x Nimord

USAF
1x RC-135

FAF
1x E-3F

NATO
3x E-3A

The patrol aircraft are supported by USAF KC-135, France C-135FR and a single RAF VC-10.
Beside that at least three USAFE C-130J-30's and two USN C-130T's are involved and fly every day to Egypt.

Also in the area since this week is a dutch Do228, altough it's mission is unknown to me.

[Otto]

[quote="wamovements"] Also in the area since this week is a dutch Do228, altough it's mission is unknown to me.[/quote]

See http://www.kustwacht.nl/nl/laatstenieuw ... talie.html (in Dutch only)

[SquAdmin]

If I'm not mistaken there's a US Navy carrier somewhere in the Med. Enough firepower to launch an attack if you ask me...

[aviodromefriend]

The OSD for the Nimrod R.1 has been specially postponed for if Libya will be faced with a no-fly-zone. From what I understood at UKAR at least one of the two still airworthy frames is now "temporarely" based at Akrotiri. According to Ko would-be-Clavan at dutch TV program Nieuwsuur one US carrier should have taken up position near Libya already.

[michel N]

Since the UK and France are rallying for a No-Fly zone, I guess they will also be in the area soon. At least, if they do not want their credibility harmed... But will Malta be willing to make Valette available for jets, since Malta is within striking distance from Libyan Scuds or MiGs?

[Kleintje Pils]

As the resolution has been accepted a couple of minutes ago there will be some interesting 24hrs to come.

[bizjets101]

Click Here Canada sending 6 Hornet's.

[zerofive]

http://affaritaliani.libero.it/politica ... 80311.html

[Jaap]

http://affaritaliani.libero.it/politica ... 80311.html

To keep the thread readable a quote is appreciated (with credit)

A Google translation of part of above url gives:

Imminent attack against Gaddafi, aircraft and bases: Italy in the trenches
Friday 18/03/2011 10:47

Italy also participate in the international military mission to the imposition of a no-fly zone on Libya, authorized by Resolution 1973 of UN Security Council. Our country is ready to provide air bases and aircraft, according to a schedule already underway, which will be defined in the coming hours. According to reports from qualified sources, the Italian commitment will not, therefore, now directed only for humanitarian purposes, but will provide an "active" participation in the operations. "We will deduct our duties," he said yesterday, Defence Minister Ignazio La Russa, as you read on the Republic. First, because of its strategic geographical position, Italy is prepared to make available some of its allies, military bases: one of the candidates, said a source Tmnews, Birgi Trapani in Sicily and Puglia in Gioia del Colle . The island will have an important role also U.S. base in Sigonella. It is not excluded, but at the moment is a remote solution, you can also make use of Pantelleria and Lampedusa. As to the possible use of aircraft, it would be considering the use of F-16 fighter and the Eurofighter. You can also use the AV8 Harrier. Particularly suitable for the bombing mission of enemy air defenses, says a source, would also be the Tornado, which were used for similar tasks in Kosovo, along with German aircraft.

.....

Jaap

[K-9]

Since the UK and France are rallying for a No-Fly zone, I guess they will also be in the area soon. At least, if they do not want their credibility harmed... But will Malta be willing to make Valette available for jets, since Malta is within striking distance from Libyan Scuds or MiGs?

With tankers apparently available in the area. One could imagine Sigonella, Akrotiri and perhaps Aviano to be used. Instead of Malta. However ( off topic ) two libyan mirages at Malta would make a nice addition to the Malta Airshow !
On topic..., will the flying dutchmen send F-16's too ?

[Thermal]

I bet the UK would have loved to have a Harrier equipped carrier right now.

[Richard from Rotterdam]

Holland so far seems very hesitant to get involved in the no fly zone. They are "awaiting" some kind of request for support and will then "carefully judge" the situation before any commitment will be made.

Somehow I am not impressed by this reactive greengrocers' mentality. I don't know if it has anything to do with a general lack of airworthy weaponry or a lack of interest by the current government. When Canada can send 6 CF-18s in less than a day, how hard can it be for the Dutch...

[Optimus]

Holland so far seems very hesitant to get involved in the no fly zone. They are "awaiting" some kind of request for support and will then "carefully judge" the situation before any commitment will be made.

Somehow I am not impressed by this reactive greengrocers' mentality. I don't know if it has anything to do with a general lack of airworthy weaponry or a lack of interest by the current government. When Canada can send 6 CF-18s in less than a day, how hard can it be for the Dutch...

Well, you never know; the Dutch were very pro-active recently with their Lynx

Maybe the Dutch will rather opt for placing some Patriot-systems in the area.

Kees

[Thermal]

how hard can it be for the Dutch...

Very hard, as everyone knows the state of airworthiness of the KLu's hardware inventory is terrible. Lot's of aircraft are grounded due to a lack of spare parts.