British Forces – Akrioti, Greece Griffin Fighter Squadron (84 Squadron raf) MoD announced possible Typhoon and Tornado arrivals to the base France

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  Griffin Fighter Squadron (84 Squadron RAF)
  
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  MoD announced possible Typhoon and Tornado arrivals to the base
  

Ventiseri-Solenzara -- Base aerienne 126 -- base 40km north-northeast of

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  Mirage 2000N squadron
  

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  Mirage 2000N squadron
  

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  The total civilian and military Air Base School, included as one of the air base 701, "General Pineau"than that of the Schools of Officers of the Air Force.
  
  

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  Nancy Air Base is the home of 3 squadrons Mirage 2000D multirole fighters (60 aircraft).
  

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  Mirage 200B/C squadron
  

4 Stormo Amedeo d'Aosta (4^th Wing) in Grosseto

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  9 Gruppo ADX (9^th Fighter Squadron) operating Eurofighter Typhoon
  
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  20 Gruppo OCU ADX (20^th Fighter Training Squadron) operating Eurofighter Typhoon (Twin-seat variant)
  
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    Gruppo Difesa (Air Defence and Security Squadron) operating Spada Air-defence system
    
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    604 Squadriglia Collegamenti (604^th SAR and Communication Flight)
    

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  23 Gruppo ADX (23^rd Fighter Squadron) operating 10 F-16ADF Fighting Falcon
  

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  102Gruppo OCU (102^nd Training Squadron) operating Tornado IDS
  
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  154 Gruppo FBX-STRIKE-RECCE (154^th Fighter-Bomber Reconnaissance & SEAD Squadron) operating Tornado IDS
  
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  156 Gruppo FBX (156^th Fighter-Bomber Squadron) operating Tornado IDS
  

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  13 Gruppo FBA (13^th Ground Attack Squadron) operating AMX
  
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  28 Gruppo UAV (28^th Unmanned Ariel Vehicle) operating 5 RQ-1A Predator
  
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  101 Gruppo OCU (101^st Training Squadron) operating 26 AMX-T
  

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  12 Gruppo ADX (12^th Fighter Squadron) operating Eurofighter Typhoon
  

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  10 Gruppo ADX (10^th Fighter Squadron) operating 10 F-16ADF Fighting Falcon
  
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  18 Gruppo ADX (18^th Fighter Squadron) operating 10 F-16ADF Fighting Falcon
  

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  155 Gruppo ETS (155^th Electronic Warfare and Tactical Suppression Squadron) operating 16 Tornado ECR
  

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  103 Gruppo FBA (103^rd Ground Attack Squadron) operating AMX
  
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  132 Gruppo FBA/RECCE (132^nd Ground Attack Reconnaissance Squadron) operating AMX
  

9 Stormo Francesco Baracca (9^th CSAR Wing) in Grazzanise

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  21 Gruppo (21^st Squadron) operating AB212 helicopters
  
  • 
    16 Stormo (16^th Force Protection Wing) in Martina Franca
    

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  2 Gruppo (2^nd Squadron) 12 C-130J Super Hercules
  
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  50 Gruppo (50^th Squadron) 10 C-130J-30
  
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  98 Gruppo (98^th Squadron) 12 C-27J Spartan
  

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  8 Gruppo I Cavalieri (8^th Squadron) operating 4 Boeing KC-767, 4 Alenia G.222RM, 2 Alenia G.222VS
  
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  71 Gruppo I Persei (71^st Electronic Warfare Squadron) operating P180 Avanti, P.166DL3 APH, MB-339A RM
  
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  Gruppo Efficienza Aeromobili (Maintenance Squadron)
  
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  Centro Addestramento Equipaggi (Crew Training Center)
  

31 Stormo Carmelo Raiti (31^st Wing) in Ciampino

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  93 Gruppo (93^rd Squadron) operating 3 Airbus A319CJ & 4 Falcon 50
  
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  306 Gruppo (306^th Squadron) operating 2 Falcon 900EX, 3 Falcon 900EASy, 2 Sikorsky SH 3D-TS
  

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  88 Gruppo A/S (88^th Anti Submarine Squadron) operating 12 Breguet Atlantic
  

Main article: French Air Force

• 
  CIEH Centre d'instruction des équipages d'hélicoptères (helicopter crew training center)
  
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  CIT Centre d'instruction tactique (tactical instruction center)
  
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  EAC Ecole de l'aviation de chasse (fighter aviation school)
  
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  EAT Ecole de l'aviation de transport (transport aviation school)
  
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  EC Escadron de chasse (fighter wing)
  
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  ECN Escadrille de chasse de nuit (night fighter squadron)
  
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  EDCA Escadron de détection et de contrôle aéroporté (detection and aircraft control wing)
  
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  EE Escadron d'Entrainement (training squadron)
  
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  EPEAA Ecole de pilotage élémentaire de l'armée de l'air (air force basic flight school)
  
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  ER Escadron de reconnaissance (reconnaissance wing)
  
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  ERS Escadron de reconnaissance stratégique (strategic reconnaissance wing)
  
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  ERV Escadron de ravitaillement en vol (flight refueling wing)
  
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  ET Escadron de transport (transport wing)
  
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  ETE Escadron de transport et entraînement (transport and training wing)
  
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  ETM Escadron de transport mixte (mixed transport wing)
  
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  EIV Escadron d’instruction en vol (flight instruction wing)
  
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  ETO Escadron de transition opérationnelle (operational transition wing)
  
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  GAO Groupe Aériens d'Observation (airborne observation group -- army co-operation squadrons)
  
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  GC Groupe de chasse (fighter group)
  
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  GE Groupement école (school group)
  
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  GR Groupe de reconnaissance (reconnaissance group)
  

Ventiseri-Solenzara Air Base is a NATO facility tactical training center.

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  No. 84 Squadron RAF (http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/WhatWeDo/DoctrineOperationsandDiplomacy/PJHQ/PjobCyprus.htm)
  
  • 
    Griffin Fighters (http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/griffinht1.cfm)
    

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  Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney PT6T- 3D turboshafts
  
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  Thrust: 900shp each
  
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  Max speed: 140kts
  
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  Length: 17.11m
  
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  Max altitude: 20,000ft
  
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  Span: 14.02m
  
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  Aircrew: 4
  
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  Typhoon F2 (http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/typhooneurofighter.cfm)
  
  • 
    Engines: 2 Eurojet EJ200 turbojets
    
  • 
    Thrust: 20,000lbs each
    
  • 
    Max speed: 2Mach
    
  • 
    Length: 15.96m
    
  • 
    Max altitude: 65,000ft
    
  • 
    Span: 11.09m
    
  • 
    Aircrew: 1
    
  • 
    Armament: AMRAAM, ASRAAM, Brimstone, Enhanced Paveway, Paveway IV
    
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  Tornado G4 (http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/tornado.cfm)
  
  • 
    Engines: Two RB199 turbofans
    
  • 
    Thrust: 16,000lbs each
    
  • 
    Max speed: 1.3Mach
    
  • 
    Length: 16.72m
    
  • 
    Max altitude: 50,000ft
    
  • 
    Span: 8.6m
    
  • 
    Aircrew: 2
    
  • 
    Armament: Storm Shadow, Brimstone, ALARM, AIM-9 Sidewinder, Paveway II, Paveway III, Enhanced Paveway, General Purpose Bombs, Mauser 27mm
    

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  HQ, British Forces Cyprus
  
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  62 (Cyprus) Support Squadron RE
  

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  Cyprus Communications Unit
  

EC Escadron de chasse (fighter wing)

Istres-Le Tubé Air Base (Base Aérienne or BA 125) is a large multi-role airbase located near Istres. ICAO airport code: LFMI. The base hosts many operational; supporting and independent units; a large repair and several special training facilities; test facilities for DGA, Dassault Aviation, SNECMA, Thales and some aeronautical units of the French Navy. More than 5000 personnel work on the base! USAF units use the base frequently; during Allied operations engaging USAF and FAF. During Operation Allied Force, USAF KC-135s and U-2s operated from Istres airbase. Istres was the homebase of U-2 detachment OL-FR (Operating Location-FRance) before it was transferred to Sicily. Istres is also utilized by NASA as a contingency landing site for the Space Shuttle in the case of a Transoceanic Abort Landing (TAL).

Current operational units:
- Attack sqn 3/4 'Limousin' (Mirage 2000-N) primary nuclear tasked (ASMP) secondary conventional tasked.
- Air refuelling sqn 0/93 'Bretagne' (KC-135 Stratotanker).
- Helicopter sqn 5/67 'Alpilles' (Super Puma) SAR tasking and (Fennec) active airborne security tasking.
- Special equipment maintenace sqn (ESTS)
- AD missile sqn 1/950 'Crau'.
- Military Airlift Coordination Center
- Southern Military Airtraffic Control

Supporting units:

Independent units:

Off BA 125 website:

Off Escadron de Protection:

Dassault Mirage 2000N web:

Boeing KC-135 web:

Aerospatiale Super Puma web:

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The total civilian and military Air Base School, included as one of the air base 701, "General Pineau"than that of the Schools of Officers of the Air Force.

  - 6 external sites linked,

- 90 aircraft (7 types)

- 55 000 aircraft movements,

- 166 vehicles

- 450 hectares, 10 km of fencing, 30 km of roads, parking 100000m ², 183 buildings,

- 1800 Computer workstations,

- Accommodation on base (excluding students): 442 rooms for 690 beds,

- School Accommodation: 358 rooms individual students,

- Military Housing: 676 housing units,

- 2300 people:

- 280 officers, 800 NCOs, 380 MDRE, 600 students, 50 sailors and 180 civilian staff,

- Feminization: 50% 25% civilian and military personnel (excluding students).

Nancy Air Base is the home of 3 squadrons of Dassault Mirage 2000D multirole fighters (60 aircraft).

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Main article: French Air Force

• 
  CIEH Centre d'instruction des équipages d'hélicoptères (helicopter crew training center)
  
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  CIT Centre d'instruction tactique (tactical instruction center)
  
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  EAC Ecole de l'aviation de chasse (fighter aviation school)
  
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  EAT Ecole de l'aviation de transport (transport aviation school)
  
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  EC Escadron de chasse (fighter wing)
  
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  ECN Escadrille de chasse de nuit (night fighter squadron)
  
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  EDCA Escadron de détection et de contrôle aéroporté (detection and aircraft control wing)
  
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  EE Escadron d'Entrainement (training squadron)
  
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  EPEAA Ecole de pilotage élémentaire de l'armée de l'air (air force basic flight school)
  
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  ER Escadron de reconnaissance (reconnaissance wing)
  
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  ERS Escadron de reconnaissance stratégique (strategic reconnaissance wing)
  
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  ERV Escadron de ravitaillement en vol (flight refueling wing)
  
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  ET Escadron de transport (transport wing)
  
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  ETE Escadron de transport et entraînement (transport and training wing)
  
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  ETM Escadron de transport mixte (mixed transport wing)
  
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  EIV Escadron d’instruction en vol (flight instruction wing)
  
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  ETO Escadron de transition opérationnelle (operational transition wing)
  
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  GAO Groupe Aériens d'Observation (airborne observation group -- army co-operation squadrons)
  
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  GC Groupe de chasse (fighter group)
  
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  GE Groupement école (school group)
  
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  GR Groupe de reconnaissance (reconnaissance group)
  

Ventiseri-Solenzara Air Base is a NATO facility tactical training center.

- Super Puma EH 1 / 44 Squadron (Helicopters)

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  Catania-Sigonella
  
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              -BR 1150
  
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              -S-208M
  

• US equipment at Sigonella: C-130, C-17 and C-5 airlifters, KC-135 and KC-10 tankers and U.S. Navy P-3 Orions, C-2 Greyhounds C-130, and C-9B (Skytrains). It is one of the most frequently used stops for U.S. airlifters bound from the continental United States to Southwest Asia and the Indian Ocean.

  Two runways:
  

BR 1150 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breguet_Atlantic - cites Jane’s Breguet Br.1150 Atlantic)

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  Crew: 12
  
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  Capacity: 12 passengers or relief crew
  
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  Length: 31.62 m (103 ft 9 in)
  
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  Wingspan: 37.42 m (122 ft 9¼ in ^[16])
  
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  Height: 10.89 m (35 ft 8¾ in)
  
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  Wing area: 120.34 m² (1,295.3 sq ft)
  
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  Empty weight: 25,700 kg (56,659 lb)
  
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  Loaded weight: 45,000 kg (99,200 lb)
  
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  Max takeoff weight: 46,200 kg (101,850 lb)
  
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  Powerplant: 2× Rolls-Royce Tyne RTy.20 Mk 21 2-shaft turboprops, 6,100 ehp (4,549 kW) each
  

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  Maximum speed: 648 km/h (350 knots, 402 mph)
  
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  Cruise speed: 315 km/h (170 knots, 195 mph) (patrol speed)
  
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  Stall speed: 167 km/h (90 knots, 104 mph) flaps down
  
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  Ferry range: 9,075 km (4,900 nmi, 5,635 mi)
  
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  Endurance: 18 hours
  
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  Service ceiling: 9,145 m (30,000 ft)
  
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  Rate of climb: 14.7 m/s (2,900 ft/min) at 30,000 kg (66,140 lb)
  

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  Up to 3,500 kg (7,700 lb), including torpedoes, depth charges, mines, anti-ship missiles, bombs and/or buoys
  

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  Crew: Pilot and three passengers
  
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  Length: 8.00 m (26 ft 3 in)
  
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  Wingspan: 10.86 m (35 ft 7½ in)
  
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  Height: 2.89 m (9 ft 5¾ in)
  
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  Wing area: 16.09 m² (173 sq ft)
  
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  Aspect ratio: 7.04:1
  
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  Empty weight: 740 kg (1,630 lb)
  
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  Max takeoff weight: 1,250 kg (2,755 lb)
  
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  Powerplant: 1× Avco Lycoming IO-360-A1A air-cooled flat-four piston engine, 149 kW (200 hp)
  

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  Maximum speed: 280 km/h (151 knots, 174 mph) at sea level
  
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  Cruise speed: 255 km/h
  
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  Stall speed: 87 km/h (47 knots ,54 mph) (flaps and gear down)
  
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  Range: 1,500 km (809 nmi, 930 mi)
  
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  Service ceiling: 5,380 m (17,650 ft)
  
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  Rate of climb: 4.4 m/s (865 ft/min)
  

Ventiseri-Solenzara - Corsica

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  36th Stormo Squadron, fly the Eurofighter
  
  • 
    Eurofighter (http://www.eurofighter.com/ )
    
  • 
    Tornado IDS
    
  • 
    P.180 Avanti
    
  • 
    S-208M
    
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  12º Gruppo ADX (12^th Fighter Squadron) operating Eurofighter Typhoon
  
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  436º Gruppo STO (436^th Technical Support Squadron) -
  
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  536º Gruppo SLO (536^th Logistic Support Squadron)
  
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  936º Gruppo Efficienza Aeromobili (936^th Maintenance Squadron)
  
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  Gruppo Difesa (Air Defence and Security Squadron) operating Spada Air-defence system
  
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  636ª Squadriglia Collegamenti (636^th SAR and Communication Flight)
  

• 
  http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/WhatWeDo/DoctrineOperationsandDiplomacy/PJHQ/PjobCyprus.htm
  
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  No. 84 Squadron RAF
  
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  Griffin Fighters (http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/griffinht1.cfm)
  

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  Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney PT6T- 3D turboshafts
  
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  Thrust: 900shp each
  
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  Max speed: 140kts
  
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  Length: 17.11m
  
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  Max altitude: 20,000ft
  
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  Span: 14.02m
  
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  Aircrew: 4
  
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  Typhoon F2 (http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/typhooneurofighter.cfm)
  
  • 
    Engines: 2 Eurojet EJ200 turbojets
    
  • 
    Thrust: 20,000lbs each
    
  • 
    Max speed: 2Mach
    
  • 
    Length: 15.96m
    
  • 
    Max altitude: 65,000ft
    
  • 
    Span: 11.09m
    
  • 
    Aircrew: 1
    
  • 
    Armament: AMRAAM, ASRAAM, Brimstone, Enhanced Paveway, Paveway IV
    
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  Tornado G4 (http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/tornado.cfm)
  
  • 
    Engines: Two RB199 turbofans
    
  • 
    Thrust: 16,000lbs each
    
  • 
    Max speed: 1.3Mach
    
  • 
    Length: 16.72m
    
  • 
    Max altitude: 50,000ft
    
  • 
    Span: 8.6m
    
  • 
    Aircrew: 2
    
  • 
    Armament: Storm Shadow, Brimstone, ALARM, AIM-9 Sidewinder, Paveway II, Paveway III, Enhanced Paveway, General Purpose Bombs, Mauser 27mm
    
  • 
    Units that use Tornado GR4/GR4A
    
    • 
      9 Squadron - RAF Marham
      
    • 
      12 Squadron - RAF Lossiemouth
      
    • 
      14 Squadron - RAF Lossiemouth
      
    • 
      31 Squadron - RAF Marham
      
    • 
      617 Squadron - RAF Lossiemouth
      
    • 
      13 Squadron - RAF Marham
      
    • 
      15 (Reserve) Squadron - RAF Lossiemouth
      
    • 
      2 (AC) Squadron - RAF Marham
      
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  3 Platoon,Cyprus Joint Police Unit CJPU – Akrotiri
  
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  HQ, British Forces Cyprus
  
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  62 (Cyprus) Support Squadron RE
  
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  62 (Cyprus) Support Squadron is based in Dhekelia Station, which is in the Eastern Sovereign Base Area (ESBA) on Cyprus. The unit continues to provide construction, maritime and dive support to the British Forces on the island as well as conducting Community Relations tasks, which benefit the local Cypriot communities. Recently the Sqn has deployed Search Teams to Iraq and several personnel to Afghanistan. The unit is organised into Squadron Headquarters, Field Troop, Support Troop, Resources Cell, Echelon and Workshops. Unfortunately, the closure of 62 (Cyprus) Sp Sqn was announced in 2009, and the Sqn has seen a gradual reduction in numbers and capabilities since then. It has been announced that the Sqn will stop providing support to British Forces Cyprus on 01 Sep 2010, and will eventually disband on 31 Mar 2011.
  
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  Cyprus Communications Unit
  
  • 
    
    

http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/84squadron.cfm

84 Squadron was born in January 1917, equipped with SE5 fighter aircraft and was soon despatched to France . During its 15 months service in WWI the Squadron’s pilots proved very successful and destroyed 129 enemy aircraft and 50 observation balloons. After spending a year as part of the Army of Occupation in post war Germany, the Squadron was disbanded as part of a major reduction in the Armed Forces in 1920 (the first of many!!). 84 Squadron was reformed just 8 months later in Baghdad and spent the years leading up to WWII in Iraq.

In 1939, the Squadron moved to the Western Desert flying Blenheim bombers, and took part in the campaigns in Greece, Iraq, Syria and Persia. In 1942 84 Squadron was transferred to the Far East theatre, carrying out raids on Japanese forces in Sumatra, Batavia and Java. Japanese forces overran the Sqn in Java and all were taken prisoner except a small party including the CO and 11 aircrew. The Squadron reformed in India for the remainder of WWII and went on to serve in Malaya and Singapore . 84 Squadron became a transport squadron in 1953, equipped with Valetta aircraft flying from the Canal Zone, Nicosia and Aden . As Aden was closed, the Squadron re-equipped with Andover aircraft and moved to Sharjah, until being disbanded in 1971.

84 Squadron was reformed almost immediately at RAF Akrotiri with Westland Whirlwind helicopters in the Search and Rescue and Support Helicopter roles. Conversion to Wessex helicopters occurred in 1981 and the 4 aircraft carried a blue band, to reflect the UN association, and the traditional Squadron card suit individual marking. 84 Sqn is unique in being the only RAF Sqn to have been based overseas for its entire Service history and the Sqn’s official badge of a scorpion reflects its long association with the Middle East.

Manned with a combination of Search and Rescue and Support Helicopter aircrew, 84 Sqn provides Search and Rescue cover to the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus, providing support to visiting Fast Jet Detachments and a small lift capability to the Theatre Reserve Battalion based on the island. 84 Sqn operate the Griffin HAR 2 helicopter, a variant of the aircraft used at RAF Shawbury for training. The Sqn is manned to provide 24 hour coverage all year round.

As well as supporting British forces in Cyprus, 84 Sqn also provides support to the wider Cypriot and international community. In the past year, the Sqn has been involved in 3 large scale rescues off the coast of Lebanon and Israel in conjunction with multi national forces. Closer to home, 84 Sqn have rescued Cypriots both inside the Sovereign Base Areas and further a field. The Griffin HAR 2 also has a fire fighting capability, giving the facility to drop a large amount of water directly on the source of a fire and has been involved in countless sorties both on Sovereign Base Areas territory and in Cyprus.

84 Sqn remains on one hour's readiness to support British interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. Hoot and Roar!

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http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/Organizzazione/Reparti/Repartivolo/Pagine/36Stormo.aspx

Employed by the 36 ° Stormo "Riccardo Helmut Seidl", located about Gioia del Colle, operate the X and XII Fighter Interceptor Group ognitempo (IOC) on Eurofighter, the 436 ° Gruppo STO, the 536 ° Gruppo SLO, the Force Protection Group, the 936 Squadron aircraft and efficiency on the Squadron Links MB.339A and P.180.

Mission
"Ensure, in the manner laid down in the operational plans, the air defense of the national interest of contributing to the control, in time of peace, its airspace."

Envelope

EF-2000 Typhoon, Piaggio P-180.

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By DANICA KIRKA, Associated Press Danica Kirka, Associated Press – 48 mins ago

LONDON – Britain will send Typhoon and Tornado fighter jets to air bases "in the coming hours" to prevent Moammar Gadhafi's forces from mounting air strikes against anti-government rebels in Libya, Prime Minister David Cameron said Friday.

The promise of action came after the U.N. Security Council approved a no-fly zone Thursday over Libya, the legal requirement paving the way for military action. Cameron sidestepped the issue of potential civilian casualties from any military intervention, saying the situation could get radically worse if Gadhafi's forces take the rebel-held city of Benghazi.

"We do not want to see a bloodbath in Benghazi," Cameron told lawmakers in the House of Commons. He added the decision was about protecting people in Libya and insisted it was "not about choosing the government of Libya."

Britain, France and NATO were holding emergency meetings Friday on enforcing the no-fly zone, but there was no word yet from the U.S. military on what role it may take. French government spokesman Francois Baroin would not comment on "where, how, what target, or in what form" the air strikes would take.

Libya responded to the diplomatic onslaught by declaring an immediate cease-fire, firmly pushing the ball back to the allies.

NATO surveillance AWACS planes flying off the Libyan coast are already providing 24-hour coverage of the situation in the air and on the battlefields.

After the U.N. resolution, President Barack Obama spoke with Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy to coordinate further action on the no-fly zone. The White House said in a statement that "that Libya must immediately comply with all terms of the resolution and that violence against the civilian population of Libya must cease."

The North Atlantic Council, NATO's top decision-making body, decided Friday to speed up planning and will meet again in the next few days when plans are complete, an alliance spokeswoman said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the delicacy of the situation.

Envoys said there was no discussion at the NATO meeting of any air strikes against targets in Libya.

Asked whether NATO would go along with any unilateral action, Martin Povejsil, the Czech Republic's NATO envoy, said none was imminent.

"I do not expect any such action in the next few hours or next few days," he said.

The Germans, who are opposed to any military intervention in Libya, are considering sending German-manned NATO airborne warning and control planes to help monitor Afghanistan's airspace — a move that would free up scarce AWACS to be dispatched to Libya's airspace.

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle confirmed that such a decision was considered, but stressed there was no decision yet

Danish Defense Minister Gitte Lillelund Bech said her country can send four F-16 fighter plans plus two spare F-16s and a cargo plane with ammunition to help monitor the no-fly zone. A formal decision in Parliament is required before the planes can take off, but he said they might leave as early as Saturday morning.

Spain, too, offered to help — making two air bases available to NATO if the alliance intervenes in Libya, as well as its naval and air forces.

Military experts, however, cautioned that the consequences of a no-fly zone are unpredictable. The former head of the British army, Richard Dannatt, said Friday it was crucial to proceed cautiously "so we don't get into the kind of situation that we got into in Iraq by not having a Plan B for the morning after."

Charles Heyman, defense analyst and editor of the Armed Forces of the UK, said the Americans will have the bulk of the military responsibility even though Britain and France have taken the lead in pushing for the wide-ranging U.N. resolution.

"It's easy for the British and the French to talk a lot about it when they actually don't have all the right equipment to maintain a no-fly zone on their own," he said. "This no-fly zone requires AWACs surveillance planes, and the ability to take out air defenses, and the ability to strike at targets on the ground without putting your aircraft at risk, and that requires standoff missiles that can be launched from the air without getting too close to the targets."

He said the British and French have some but not all of this components and will need American help and coordination even though Libyan air defenses have been weakened in the last two decades.

"The AWACS are NATO assets, but paid for by the USA," he said. "They are flown by NATO crews, but they are U.S. craft, U.S. equipment," Heyman said.

__

Gregory Katz in London, Jan M. Olsen in Cohenhagen, Angela Charlton in Paris, David Rising in Berlin and Slobodan Lekic in Brussels contributed to this story.

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