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Dutch F-16 detachment returns from Libya

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Published on Sunday, 06 November 2011 14:20
Written by Dennis

F-16A Block 20 MLU, RNLAF 323 sqn, Airbase Leeuwarden

November 4th. The F-16 detachment that in recent months executed air operations over Libya, returned to the Netherlands. Family, friends and colleagues greeted the soldiers at Leeuwarden Air Base.

 The Netherlands has been contributing to Operation Unified Protector since the end of March. The operation aims to protect the civilian population, monitor compliance with the arms embargo and enforce the no-fly zone over Libya.

The F-16's already arrived on Wednesday November 2nd. Three landed at airbase Leeuwarden en three landed at airbase Volkel. The military ground crew arrived Friday November 4th by a C-160-Transall from the French Airforce. During operation Unified Protector the F-16's flew over 2845 hours from Sardinian Decimomannu Air Base. 

The F-16 detachment was effective, since the detachment monitored the no-fly zone, no Libian aircraft have been airborne and the population has not been attacked from the air. In addition to monitoring Libyan airspace, the F-16 fighters have also been gathering intelligence. The sensors on board the fighter aircraft build up a ground and sea picture, allowing targeted checks on suspect vehicles and ships.

Apart from the F-16's , the Dutch participation also included a minesweeper, operators for the AWACS-planes and staff officers.