A multi-national coalition began a military intervention in Libya to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, which was taken in response to events during the 2011 Libyan uprising.
On 19 March, military operations began, with US and British forces firing over 110 Tomahawk cruise missiles, the French Air Force and British Royal Air Force undertaking sorties across Libya and a naval blockade by the Royal Navy. Air strikes against Libyan Army tanks and vehicles by French jets have since been confirmed.
Initial NATO planning for a possible no-fly zone took place in late February and early March, especially by NATO members France and the United Kingdom. France and the United Kingdom were early supporters of a no-fly zone and have sufficient air power to impose a no-fly zone over the rebel-held areas, although they might need additional assistance for a more extensive exclusion zone.
The U.S. has the air assets necessary to enforce a no-fly zone, but was cautious to support such an action prior to obtaining a legal basis for violating Libya’s sovereignty. However, due to the sensitive nature of military action by the U.S. against an Arab nation, the U.S. has sought Arab participation in the enforcement of a no-fly zone
1 – B-2 Spirit: Following the initial launch of Tomahawk missiles, three U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit aircraft from Whiteman Air Force Base, led strikes on a variety of strategic targets over Libya. U.S. fighter aircraft created airspace where no enemy forces could advance on Libyan opposition troops.
2 – EuroFighter Typhoon: RAF Typhoons flew their first ever combat mission while patrolling the no-fly zone over Libya in support of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973.
3 – Rafale: French Rafale patrolled the skies over Benghazi, flying air superiority missions and threatening ground strikes against Libyan Army armor. They were supported by in-flight refueling tankers and airborne warning and control systems aircraft. The Corsican airbase of Solenzara has become the base for those combat aircraft.
4 – F-16: The UAE air force has committed six F-16 and six Mirage aircraft to participate in the patrols that will enforce the no-fly zone now established over Libya.
5 – C-17 Globemaster III: Qatar officials deployed two C-17As to Europe supporting the Franco-Qatari detachment and delivering humanitarian assistance as part of their participation in the operation focused on protecting the Libyan people.
List of other Aircraft in the campaign:
United States:
EA-18G
US F-15
US F-16
B-2
AV-8B Harrier jets
P-3C
EP-3E Aries
France:
Rafale
Super Etendard
Canada:
CF-18 Hornet
United Kingdom:
Tornado GR4s
E3-D Sentry
Raytheon Sentinel
Lockheed TriStar
VC-10
Italy:
Tornado
BELGIUM:
F-16s
Spain:
F-18
CN-235
United Arab Emirates:
F-16
