UAE Mirages, F-16 Block 60s arrive in Italy for operations over Libya

Despite some initial doubts on their commitment, six F-16 Block 60s and a similar number of Mirage 2000-9s from the United Arab Emirates air force landed at Italy's Decimomannu air base to enforce the no-fly zone over Libya. The contingent was supported by an Emirates Airlines Airbus A330-200 transport carrying personnel and equipment.

NATO to assume command of Libya air operations

In a widely expected move, NATO will assume command of all aerial operations in Libya from the U.S.-led force that has been conducting air strikes against Moammar Gadhafi’s forces. The United States has previously in command of the strikes, and the full transfer of authority is expected to take several days.

French aircraft destroy Libyan Galebs, Hinds on the ground

The Pro-Gaddafi forces' air arm have suffered further setbacks over Libya with France claiming its attack aircraft have destroyed seven more aircraft on the ground at an airbase near Misrata. The Libyan aircraft were reportedly five Soko G2 Galebs and two Mi-35 Hind attack helicopters.

RAF Tornados attack Libyan armoured vehicles with Brimstones

UK Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox has announced the first reported use of the Brimstone precision guided missile over Libya when RAF Tornadoes attacked armoured vehicles belonging to pro-Gaddafi forces during a armed reconnaissance mission mission near Ajdabiya.

UAE, Netherlands contribute aircraft to enforce Libya NFZ

The list of countries contributing to the enforcement of Libya's no-fly zone grows; the Netherlands has sent a contingent of six F-16s and a KDC-10 to support operations, while the United Arab Emirates has also announced that it is contributing a dozen aircraft, six F-16s and a similar number of Mirage 2000s.

Rafale destroys Libyan Galeb on the ground for violating NFZ

Initially touted as an air-to-air kill, it is now reported that an Armee de l'Air Rafale has destroyed a Libyan AF Soko G2 Galeb on the ground at Misratah Airbase. The Galeb was initially spotted in the air violating the Libyan No Fly Zone but was only attacked by the coalition after landing.

VIDEO: Rafale, SuE and Hawkeye operations on board Charles de Gaulle

Libye : appareillage et montée en puissance du... by ministeredeladefense

The caption for this video reads: On Sunday, March 20, 2011 the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle departed its home port of Toulon to join its area of ​​operation off the coast of Libya. The aircraft joined him during his transit to Libya.

H/T: Roy RX

Danish F-16s drop their first bombs on Libya

The Royal Danish Air Force has confirmed that its F-16s have released precision-guided bombs during combat missions over Libya. The RDAF have so far flown 12 sorties in support of the US-led Operation "Odyssey Dawn" with eleven of these were dedicated to air-to-ground tasks. Photos of its F-16s seen so far usually show a combat loadout of 2 GBU-31 JDAMs, with 3 AIM-120 and 1 AIM-9X Sidewinder AAMs.

Operation Odyssey Dawn News Photos Gallery updated

Added another 5 news photos to the Operation Odyssey Dawn Photo Gallery.

Rafale Ms fly first Libya missions off the Charles de Gaulle

Two Rafale Ms of the Aeronavale have flown their first missions in Libya from the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. The two jets were on a reconnaissance mission carrying Reco NG recce pods and did not carry out combat activities.

RAF details Typhoon, Tornado operations in Operation Ellamy

With its aircraft playing a leading part in the effort against Libya so far, the RAF has released more details on its Typhoon and Tornado operations in Operation Ellamy. These include mission types, weapon loads and bases of operations.

Limitations keep F-22 from use in Libya ops

Limitations in the F-22's ability to communicate with other aircraft via datalinks and air-to-ground operations are the likely reasons keeping the Raptor from playing a more active role in Odyssey Dawn. Or maybe, the USAF doesn't think the opposition is worth fielding their trump card for.

Marine MV-22 picks up crewmember from crashed F-15E

It has been revealed that an MV-22 Osprey attached the US Marine Corps' 26th MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) picked up a crewmember who ejected from his stricken F-15E Strike Eagle over Libya. The 26th MEU is currently on board the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3).

Qatari Mirages arrive in Crete after emergency fuel stop in Cyprus

A Qatari Air Force contingent of two Mirage 2000s and a C-17 have arrived in Crete to carry out operations enforcing the no-fly zone over Libya. The aircraft had to make an emergency divert to Cyprus after running low on fuel. Four other Mirages are due to arrive at an as-yet undetermined time.

Operation Odyssey Dawn News Photos Gallery updated

Added another 9 news photos to the Operation Odyssey Dawn Photo Gallery.

News from Operation Odyssey Dawn - 22 Mar 2011

Norway sends six F-16s to Crete, but will not see action until RoE clearly defined.

Sweden offers Gripens for Libya mission, to be deployed in no more than 10 days.

Meanwhile, flying from Gioia del Colle in Italy, RAF Typhoons make their combat debut, flying missions patrolling the No Fly Zone.

Stepping up to the plate, France says its willing to assume command of Libya operations for the coalition.

USAF F-15E crashes in Libya; crew rescued

The first aircraft loss of Operation Odyssey Dawn has occurred with a USAF F-15E Strike Eagle crashing in a field near Benghazi due to a equipment malfunction (Photos in link). Both crew ejected from the stricken aircraft and were rescued, with US Africa Command confirming that it was based out of Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England and flying from Italy's Aviano airbase at the time of the incident.

Spanish Hornets carry out patrols over Libya

With four F/A-18 Hornets and a 707 tanker at the Italian base of Decimomannu, Spain has conducted its first sortie over Libya to enforce the no-fly zone with a pair of Hornets involved. A Spanish CN-235 maritime surveillance plane will also be deployed to enforce an arms embargo on Libya.

Commando Solo transmissions over Libya posted online

Twitter has made it's mark on Odyssey Dawn, with broadcasts from a USAF EC-130J Commando Solo psy-ops aircraft being captured on audio and uploaded on Twitter by a self-described “radiocommunications guru” from the Netherlands

Belgian F-16s fly first missions over Libya

After deploying its Vipersto Greece over the weekend, Belgium's F-16 contingent has flown its first missions over Libya, with sources indicating a flight of four aircraft were involved.