Pre Libya no-fly-zone buildup

[LV84]

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.

Don't forget there are a number of F-16 in Alaska now aswell for training purposes. Maybe they can send the HMS Rotterdam with some Lynx helicopters as they already know the area.

[Arjan]

If I understood mr Rosenthal correctly this morning, the "no fly zone" is a UN Mandate, enabling UN countries or local organizations to act with military violence or participate in such a action.
The NATO can be considered such a local organization and the Netherlands prefers to operate as part of the NATO. Since the NATO has not yet made a decision, the Dutch hasn't either.

[Arjan]

Apparently Belgium has been asked to participate with a number of F-16's. The current demissionary cabinet reacted positive on this request but is awaiting the okay of the parliament.

[Arjan]

Qatar has also indicated that it is interested to participate. However it is not yet sure if this concerns taking part in every aspect of the resolution or only logistics support.

[Thermal]

Where will the NATO aircraft be based? I presume Italy? Which bases are suitable in terms of accommodation and infrastructure?
I don't see this thing 'coming of the ground' any time soon frankly.

And when it does I would not be surprised if the US with it's aircraft carrier is doing the most work (especially) in the beginning despite claims of France and the UK to take the lead. US is the only country that has planes in the immediate area at this moment.

Does the RAF have any hardware even remotely in the vicinity of Libya??

[LV84]

I read on Nu.nl that the David Cameron said the uk wil send Tornado and Typhoons.

[Richard from Rotterdam]

For a quick summary on bases and carrier positions have a look at the NRC.nl liveblog:

http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2011/03/18/liv ... -in-libie/

[SquAdmin]

Hm, I could mention quite a number of extra bases, Trapani being the most obvious one. Is Greece also prepared to provide accomodation?

[boonens]

Spain has offered to use Rota & Moron according to El Pais.

[wonju666]

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.

Don't forget there are a number of F-16 in Alaska now aswell for training purposes. Maybe they can send the HMS Rotterdam with some Lynx helicopters as they already know the area.

And we still have 5 F-16's at Kandahar, which are about to move to Mazar-e-sharif in the near future. Can't remember the Canadians having fighters over there? Less funding means less assets, which in turn means less options in conjunction with less military ambition!

[boonens]

Interesting reading from the article on the website of EL Pais (translated by Babelfish):

"The alternative would consist of the shipment of the aircraft carrier Prince of Asturias, who at the moment is in the base of Defeat (Cadiz). Nevertheless, the ship standard of the Spanish fleet lacks the qualification of fit for war, because the reduction of the budget of maintenance of the Navy has forced to postpone numerous repairs, including the one of its tridensional radar at the moment. Military sources indicated that, in case the Government decides to send the aircraft carrier, it would need at least one week to be listed and would have to go escorted by a F-100 frigate."

[Thermal]

Spain has offered to use Rota & Moron according to El Pais.

And added 4 to 6 F-18's in the deal. Now we're getting somewhere.

Dissapointed in France, they were shouting the hardest about establishing a no fly zone and now we're not hearing anything from them. Despite the fact that they are one of the closest NATO countries.

So besides the RAF Typhoons and Tornado's, the NATO countries have so far offered:

Denmark: 6 F-16′s and 1 transport (C-130??)
Spain: 4 to 6 F-16's
Canada: 6 CF-18's
Belgium: 6 F-16's and 1 frigate
The Netherlands:............


source: www.nrc.nl

[boonens]

Poland has offered transport a/c as well...

[Thermal]

Khadaffi has announced an immediate cease fire.

[Stratofreighter]

I wonder how many tankers will actually be available for sustaining this proposed air effort...

Attacking targets in "one off strikes" is one thing, maintaining a continous CAP several hundred miles from the nearest base is another...