Operation Odyssey Dawn: Libyan NFZ

Post by **VulcanDriver** » 19 Mar 2011, 08:51

I know war is a terrible thing, but I really get a buzz seeing military combat a/c doing what they were designed for instead of tooling about at airshows. BTW Btw "All Necessary Means" was used in the UN resolution to get Saddam out of Kuwait. Its diplomatic speak for an all out attack..

CelticWarrior · Post by **CelticWarrior** » 19 Mar 2011, 08:59

Just heard that the operation is to be headed by USN Adm Samuel Locklear head of the NATO Joint Forces Command in Italy (I'm guessing Naples).

IMO this is a bad move, it will be seen by part of the world as yet another US attack on a sovereign state regardless of it's true intent.

Post by **miljan** » 19 Mar 2011, 09:07

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12794589

james84 · Post by **james84** » 19 Mar 2011, 09:12

From Repubblica.it
France
M2000+Rafale
Possible bases: De Gaulle Carrier (still in France), Solenzara (Corsica), Istres.

RAF
Based in Italy or Akrotiri (Cyprus). Tornado+Typhoon+Nimrod(?). Also involved should be the Cumberland e Westminster frigates

US
USS Enterprise+support ships, AV, LN, SP

Italy
Italian Tornado ECRs from Piacenza-Sand Damiano (50th Stormo) could be employed for SEAD missions, already used in Kosovo. Navy Harriers based on the Garibaldi ship could be employed too, as well as Typhoons from Gioia del Colle and Grosseto.

Denmark, Norway
Both with at least 4xF-16 (+2xbackup units)

The Arabian League approves of the no-fly zone, but no member country offered any aircraft. Saudi Arabia has offered only light weapons to the rebels

BTW, the rebels shot down an aircraft, I can't understand whether it's a Mirage (most likely, only one ejected seat is visible) or a Su-24.

@VulcanDriver: I don't like war too, but I think this time some kind of intervention is necessary. I still ask why they didn't do it before. Also, it seems strange but France and Italy were Libya's friendliest countries, now they are respectively promoting a military action and offering important support. Just think that last summer Qaddafi came to Rome, he brang an escort of 200 female soldiers, lots of vehicles, horses and his famous tent, SEVEN AIRCRAFTS in total, and he was welcomed as warmly as the US President!

james84 · Post by **james84** » 19 Mar 2011, 09:14

miljan wrote:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12794589

It's a MiG-23, I don't think the pilot survived, no parachute is visible.

Post by **miljan** » 19 Mar 2011, 09:17

This is MiG-23 aircraft

Post by **Firebird** » 19 Mar 2011, 10:42

In the news reports this morning it seems that the Libyan policy consists of saying that they have called a ceasefire and then sped up the assault so that it's over by the time the air cover is in place - rendering the motion pointless.

Post by **VulcanDriver** » 19 Mar 2011, 12:41

Just heard from some who lives close by that the skies over Prestwick is full of combat jets and that the airport looks like military airfield. Who else, apart the RCAF, is staging through? Also I've heard rumours that F-22s were on their way.

Post by **VulcanDriver** » 19 Mar 2011, 12:43

Firebird wrote:In the news reports this morning it seems that the Libyan policy consists of saying that they have called a ceasefire and then sped up the assault so that it's over by the time the air cover is in place - rendering the motion pointless.

Puzzles me why the 6th Fleet can't use their FA/18s whilst the rest join in the show? Unless the US don't want be the first to strike?

james84 · Post by **james84** » 19 Mar 2011, 14:32

The news are reporting that French Rafales are already flyong in the Benghazi area on "reconnaisance" duty, but they are ready to enter in action if the order will be issued. Also reported are 6 Danish Vipers to have landed at Sigonella.

james84 · Post by **james84** » 19 Mar 2011, 14:34

BTW, don't know if it depends on this, but Flightradar24 is not working!

james84 · Post by **james84** » 19 Mar 2011, 16:23

17.22 GMT+1

Coming from Glasgow?

A couple of hours ago a French AF A340 was flying at 40.000ft along the border between Algeria and Tunisia, but I don't think it's connected to what is going on in Libya.

Post by **campbeme** » 19 Mar 2011, 16:33

A guy over at Fighter Control posted a pic he took of the Canadian Forces Airbus as it passed over Farnbourgh earlier....Hornets were tucked in close to him also.

Mark

james84 · Post by **james84** » 19 Mar 2011, 16:34

Interesting. Look at its flight level too, it's 30.000ft. I think it's heading to Trapani or Sigonella.

james84 · Post by **james84** » 19 Mar 2011, 17:22

Repubblica.it is reporting that the Canadian aircrafts - 4 Hornets+1 A310 - have landed at Trapani (LICT).
The French aircrafts have hit their first target and according to a member of the Italian forum aviazionecivile.com there are 5 or six tankers plus "tenths" of Rafales and Mirages. Spain will send 4 Hornets too.

Post by **VulcanDriver** » 19 Mar 2011, 17:41

BBC reporting that a French fighter has attacked a Libyan army vehicle at 1645Z. At one time 20 French combat a/c were over Libya. US has said it will use its "unique combat abilities", which maybe Predators to target HQ targets. Say what you will about the French, at least they have carried out what they said they'd do if Gaddafi didn't stop attacking his people. Just wish the rest of the forces would hurry up and get stuck in to! Mind you, the RAF Tornados are specialist night attack a/c so maybe something will happen over night? I hate Gaddafi with a passion, of all the Mid-East leaders I'd love to see dead he is the one!

james84 · Post by **james84** » 19 Mar 2011, 17:54

8x Rafale, 2x Mirage 2000-D, 2x Mirage 2000-5, 2x AWACS and some tankers. According to Al Jazeera, they have already destroyed 4 tanks.

sr01 · Post by **sr01** » 19 Mar 2011, 18:22

VulcanDriver wrote:
Firebird wrote:In the news reports this morning it seems that the Libyan policy consists of saying that they have called a ceasefire and then sped up the assault so that it's over by the time the air cover is in place - rendering the motion pointless.

Puzzles me why the 6th Fleet can't use their FA/18s whilst the rest join in the show? Unless the US don't want be the first to strike?

the george bush is on it's way to Wales as per here
http://www.militaryaiworks.com/newforum ... 06&start=0

james84 · Post by **james84** » 19 Mar 2011, 18:38

It's a common opinion here that the US don't want to be the first to attack, it could appear another "US attack to a Muslim country".

reconmercs · Post by **reconmercs** » 19 Mar 2011, 19:53

the USN has already began sending Tomahawks their way....anyone taking bets on how soon these clowns finally start turning against Qadaffi, I honestly don't understand why the military just doesnt turn on him and be done with it. I guess becoming fodder for JDAMs and every other ordnance we can rush into theatre sounded better....I guess you really can't fix stupid.

Bring the rain NATO....BRING THE RAIN.

Operation Odyssey Dawn: Libyan NFZ

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