Operation Unified Protector

{{Short description|2011 NATO operation in Libya during the civil war}}

{{Infobox military conflict

| conflict = Operation Unified Protector

| partof = the 2011 military intervention in Libya

| image = File:Operation Unified Protector logo.png

| caption = NATO Unified Protector logo

| date = 23 March – 31 October 2011
({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|2011|03|23|2011|10|31}} days)

| place = Libyan airspace and Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya

| result = NATO victory

No-fly zone established over Libya
Sanctions imposed on Gaddafi regime
Overthrow of Gaddafi regime

| casus = United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973

| commander1 = {{flagicon|United States}} James G. Stavridis{{cite web |url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_03/20110325_110325-unified-protector-command-control.pdf |title=Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR |website=NATO.int |publisher=NATO |access-date=28 July 2016 |quote= Nato fact sheet on command and control}}
(SACEUR)
{{flagicon|Canada}} Charles Bouchard
(Operational Commander)
{{flagicon|United States}} Ralph Jodice
(Air Commander)
{{flagicon|Italy}} Rinaldo Veri
(Maritime Commander)

| commander2 = {{flagicon|Libya|1977}} Muammar Gaddafi{{KIA}}
(De facto Commander-in-Chief)
{{flagicon|Libya|1977}} Abu-Bakr Yunis Jabr{{KIA}}
(Minister of Defense)
{{flagicon|Libya|1977}} Khamis al-Gaddafi{{KIA}}
(Khamis Brigade Commander)
{{flagicon|Libya|1977}} Ali Sharif al-Rifi
(Air Force Commander)

| combatant1 = {{flag|NATO}}-led coalition{{cite web |url=http://www.jfcnaples.nato.int/resources/24/Documents/110406-placemat-libya.pdf |title=JFC NAPLES | Home |access-date=2011-06-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005142505/http://www.jfcnaples.nato.int/resources/24/Documents/110406-placemat-libya.pdf |archive-date=5 October 2011}} NATO fact sheet on contributing nations as of 6 April 2011

{{Collapsible list|

{{flag|Belgium}}
{{flag|Bulgaria}}
{{flag|Canada}}
{{flag|Denmark}}
{{flag|France|1974}}
{{flag|Greece}}
{{flag|Italy}}
{{flag|Jordan}}
{{flag|Netherlands}}
{{flag|Norway}}
{{flag|Qatar}}
{{flag|Romania}}
{{flag|Spain}}
{{flag|Sweden}}
{{flag|Turkey}}
{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}
{{flag|United Kingdom}}
{{flag|United States}}

}}

| combatant2 = {{flag|Libyan Arab Jamahiriya|1977}}

| strength1 = See deployed forces

| strength2 =

| casualties1 =

| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Libya no-fly zone}}

}}

Operation Unified Protector was a NATO operation in 2011 enforcing United Nations Security Council resolutions 1970 and 1973 concerning the Libyan Civil War and adopted on 26 February and 17 March 2011, respectively. These resolutions imposed sanctions on key members of the Gaddafi government and authorized NATO to implement an arms embargo, a no-fly zone and to use all{{Citation needed|date=December 2021}} means necessary, short of foreign occupation, to protect Libyan civilians and civilian populated areas.{{cite web |url=http://www.jfcnaples.nato.int/resources/24/Documents/UNSCR_1973.pdf |title=JFC NAPLES | Home |access-date=2012-01-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319203548/http://www.jfcnaples.nato.int/resources/24/Documents/UNSCR_1973.pdf |archive-date=19 March 2012}} United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973{{Primary source inline|date=November 2022}}

The operation started on 23 March 2011 and gradually expanded during the following weeks, by integrating more and more elements of the multinational military intervention, which had started on 19 March in response to the same UN resolutions. As of 31 March 2011 it encompassed all international operations in Libya. NATO support was vital to the rebel victory over the forces loyal to Gaddafi. The operation officially ended on 31 October 2011, after the rebel leaders, formalized in the National Transitional Council, had declared Libya liberated on 23 October.

The operation began with a naval arms embargo, while command of the no-fly zone and the air strikes against Libyan Armed Forces remained under command of the international coalition, led by France, the United Kingdom and the United States, due to lack of consensus between NATO members.[http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_03/unified-protector-arms-embargo-factsheet.pdf NATO arms embargo fact sheet]{{Primary source inline|date=November 2022}} On 24 March NATO decided to take control of the no-fly zone enforcement, by integrating the air assets of the international coalition under NATO command, although the command of air strikes on ground targets remained under national authority.[http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_03/unified-protector-no-fly-zone.pdf NATO no fly zone fact sheet]{{Primary source inline|date=November 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/24/france-turkey-nato-libya |title=Nato to control no-fly zone after France gives way to Turkey |work=The Guardian|access-date=5 June 2011 |location=London |first1=Ian |last1=Traynor |first2=Nicholas |last2=Watt |date=25 March 2011}} A few days later, on 27 March NATO decided to implement all military aspects of the UN resolution and formal transfer of command occurred at 06:00 GMT on 31 March 2011, formally ending the national operations such as the U.S.-coordinated Operation Odyssey Dawn.[http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_04/20110407_unified-protector-protection-civilians.pdf NATO protection of civilians fact sheet]{{Primary source inline|date=November 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://useucom.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/odyssey-dawn-unified-protector-heres-what-it-means/ |title=Odyssey Dawn, Unified Protector? Here's what it means... |publisher=US EUCOM |access-date=5 June 2011}}

The arms embargo was initially carried out using mainly ships from NATO's Standing Maritime Group 1 and Standing Mine Countermeasures Group 1 already patrolling the Mediterranean Sea at the time of the resolution, enforced with additional ships, submarines and maritime surveillance aircraft from NATO members. They were to "monitor, report and, if needed, interdict vessels suspected of carrying illegal arms or mercenaries". The no-fly zone was enforced by aircraft transferred to Unified Protector from the international coalition, with additional aircraft from NATO and other allied nations. The air strikes, although under central NATO command, were only conducted by aircraft of the nations agreeing to enforce this part of the UN resolution.

Background

= Libyan conflict =

With Operation Unified Protector, NATO is involved in an internal Libyan conflict, between those seeking to depose the country's long-time national leader Muammar Gaddafi and pro-Gaddafi forces. The conflict began as a series of non-peaceful disorders, part of the broader Arab Spring movement, which Gaddafi's security services attempted to repress, but which soon developed into a widespread uprising.

The situation further escalated into armed conflict, with rebels establishing a provisional government named the National Transitional Council based in eastern city of Benghazi and controlling the eastern part of the country and the western city of Misrata. The International Criminal Court warned Gaddafi that he and members of his government may have committed crimes against humanity. The United Nations Security Council passed an initial resolution 1970, freezing the assets of Gaddafi and ten members of his inner circle, and restricting their travel. The resolution also referred the actions of the government to the International Criminal Court for investigation.

In early March, Gaddafi's forces rallied, pushed eastwards and re-took several coastal cities and finally began attacking the rebel stronghold of Benghazi on 19 March 2011. Two days earlier a second U.N. resolution, UNSC Resolution 1973, was passed which authorized member states to establish and enforce an arms embargo, a no-fly zone over Libya and to use all means necessary, short of foreign occupation, to protect Libyan civilians.{{Primary source inline|date=November 2022}} In response to the resolution, the Gaddafi government announced a ceasefire, but failed to uphold it and continued to advance on the rebels and the Second Battle of Benghazi began.

= International intervention =

In response to the U.N. resolution, voted on 17 March 2011, an international coalition was established and naval and air forces were quickly deployed in and around the Mediterranean Sea. Two days later, on 19 March, France intervened in the imminent Second Battle of Benghazi with air strikes on Gaddafi armor and troops and eventually forced them back. On the same day 110 Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched from UK and US ships, further air strikes against ground targets were executed and a naval blockade was established. The initial coalition consisted of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Norway, Qatar, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. The official names for the interventions by the coalition members are Opération Harmattan by France; Operation Ellamy by the United Kingdom; Operation Mobile for the Canadian participation and Operation Odyssey Dawn for the United States.

The U.S. initially coordinated the effort and took strategic and tactical command at UCC USAFRICOM, led by Carter Ham, and the Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn, led by Samuel J. Locklear aboard the command ship {{USS|Mount Whitney|LCC-20}}, respectively. From there on command was split between the air and naval components of the operation at which level the different participating countries commanded their assets in accordance with their rules of engagement and through liaison officers.

After the initial intervention, the U.S. wanted to scale down their involvement significantly to a supporting role. Due to lack of consensus within NATO, the only other body capable of commanding a multinational operation of this size, however, this was not possible immediately. As consensus grew during the next days, NATO took more and more parts of the operation under its command until taking command of all military operations on 31 March.

Command structure

Political direction is provided by the North Atlantic Council to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. The chain of command is from Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Admiral James G. Stavridis (US Navy), to the Deputy Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Lt. General Charles Bouchard (Royal Canadian Air Force) acting as operational commander. From the operational level, command is further delegated to the Commander of Allied Maritime Command Naples, Vice Admiral Rinaldo Veri (Italian Navy) for the naval operations and Commander of Allied Air Command Izmir, Lieutenant General Ralph J. Jodice II (US Air Force) for air operations.{{Cite web |title=Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR Command and Control |url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_03/20110325_110325-unified-protector-command-control.pdf |access-date=May 31, 2022 |website=North Atlantic Treaty Organization}}

Deployed forces

= Allied Maritime Command =

{{flag icon|Belgium}} Belgian Naval Component
Narcis, a {{sclass2|Tripartite|minehunter}} (Operational from 23 March 2011 until 24 July 2011){{cite web|url=http://www.mil.be/perscom/index.asp?LAN=nl&ID=1681|title=Narcis keert terug uit Libië (Dutch)|publisher=Belgian Armed Forces|date=27 July 2011|access-date=30 July 2011|archive-date=13 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013040358/http://www.mil.be/perscom/index.asp?LAN=nl&ID=1681|url-status=dead}}
Lobelia, a {{sclass2|Tripartite|minehunter}} (Operational from 12 August 2011)
{{flag icon|Bulgaria}} Bulgarian Navy
{{ship|Bulgarian frigate|Drazki||2}}, a {{sclass|Wielingen|frigate}}{{cite web|url=http://paper.standartnews.com/en/article.php?d=2011-03-23&article=35828|title=Bulgaria's Drazki Frigate Ready to Set sail for Libya|publisher=Standart News|date=23 March 2011|access-date=25 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006002806/http://paper.standartnews.com/en/article.php?d=2011-03-23&article=35828|archive-date=6 October 2012|url-status=dead}}
{{flag icon|Canada}} Canadian Forces
Royal Canadian Navy
{{HMCS|Charlottetown|FFH 339|6}}, a {{sclass|Halifax|frigate}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-F071A826-49A1586D/natolive/news_71726.htm|title=NATO ships move to enforce UN arms embargo|publisher=NATO|date=23 March 2011}} (transferred from Operation MOBILE, operational until 18 August 2011)
{{HMCS|Vancouver|FFH 331|6}}, a {{sclass|Halifax|frigate}} (operational from 18 August 2011{{cite web|url=http://www.cefcom-comfec.forces.gc.ca/pa-ap/ops/mobile/index-eng.asp#TaskForceVancouver|title=Operation MOBILE|publisher=DND|date=2011-09-01|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110309222211/http://www.cefcom-comfec.forces.gc.ca/pa-ap/ops/mobile/index-eng.asp#TaskForceVancouver|archive-date=9 March 2011}})
1 × CH-124 Sea King anti-submarine helicopter
{{flag icon|France|1974}} French Navy (transferred from Opération Harmattan{{cite web|url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/operation-harmattan-libye/actualites/libye-point-de-situation-operation-harmattan-n-13|title=Libye : point de situation opération Harmattan n°13|publisher=French Ministry of Defense|date=31 March 2011}})
Landing helicopter dock Tonnerre (L9014)
14 × Aérospatiale Gazelle
4 × Eurocopter Tiger
2 × Eurocopter Puma
2 × Atlantique 2 signals intelligence aircraft based at Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily, Italy
Task Force 473{{cite web|url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/operation-harmattan-libye/actualites/libye-premiere-mission-aerienne-pour-la-tf-473|title=Libye : première mission aérienne pour la TF 473|publisher=French Ministry of Defense|date=22 March 2011}}
Aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91)
10 × Rafale M fighters
6 × Super-Etendard strike aircraft
2 × E-2C airborne early warning aircraft
2 × Dauphin multipurpose helicopters
2 × Alouette III utility helicopters
French Air Force detachment of a Puma and 2 × Caracal transport helicopters
Anti-air frigate Jean Bart (D615) (until 2 April 2011{{cite web|url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/operation-harmattan-libye/actualites/libye-point-de-situation-operation-harmattan-n-16|title=Libye : point de situation opération Harmattan n°16|publisher=French Ministry of Defense|date=3 April 2011}})
Frigate Dupleix (D641)
Frigate Aconit (F713)
Frigate Chevalier Paul (D621)
Frigate Georges Leygues (D640)
Frigate Courbet (F712) (Returned to France)
Replenishment tanker {{ship|French tanker|Meuse||2}} (A607)
Nuclear attack submarine Améthyste (S605){{cite web|url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/operation-harmattan-libye/dossier/l-operation-harmattan|title=L'opération Harmattan|publisher=French Ministry of Defense|date=26 March 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=122656|title=French nuclear submarine arrives in Malta|work=Malta Independent|date=30 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315083618/http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=122656|archive-date=15 March 2012}}
{{flag icon|Greece}} Hellenic Navy
{{ship|Greek frigate|Limnos||2}}, an {{sclass|Elli|frigate}}{{cite web|url=http://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2011/03/23/odyssey-dawn-greece-updates-from-souda-bay-military-buildup/ |title=Odyssey Dawn-Greece: Updates from Souda Bay military buildup |publisher=Keep Talking Greece |access-date=25 March 2011|date=23 March 2011}}
{{flag icon|Italy}} Italian Navy{{cite web|url=http://www.difesa.it/Operazioni+Militari/Operazioni+internazionali+in+corso/Libia_Odissea_all_Alba/notizie_teatro_dett.htm?DetailID=8123 |title = Operazione "Unified Protector": navi italiane partecipano all'embargo |publisher=Italian Ministry of Defense |date = 25 March 2011}}{{dead link|date=December 2021}}
Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier{{cite web|url=http://www.marina.difesa.it/Conosciamoci/Notizie/Pagine/20110401_unified.aspx |title=La Marina Militare in Unified Protector |publisher=Marina.difesa.it |date=1 April 2011 |access-date=1 April 2011}}
8 × AV-8B Harrier II V/STOL ground-attack aircraft
4 × AW101 Merlin anti-submarine warfare helicopters
Boarding teams from the San Marco Regiment
Andrea Doria, a {{sclass2|Horizon|destroyer}}
Libeccio, a {{sclass|Maestrale|frigate}}
Etna, an Etna-class auxiliary ship
Comandante Borsini and Comandante Bettica, two Comandanti-class patrol vessels
{{flag icon|Netherlands}} Royal Netherlands Navy
HNLMS Haarlem, an Alkmaar-class minehunter{{cite web |url=http://www.nisnews.nl/public/240311_1.htm |title=Dutch news – Defence Team Leaves to Reconnoitre Airfields |publisher=Nisnews.nl |access-date=25 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930192123/http://www.nisnews.nl/public/240311_1.htm |archive-date=30 September 2011}}{{cite web |url=http://www.manw.nato.int/Page_snmcmg1_task_force_2011_.aspx |title=SNMCMG1 Task Force 2011 |publisher=Manw.nato.int |access-date=25 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315034235/http://www.manw.nato.int/Page_snmcmg1_task_force_2011_.aspx |archive-date=15 March 2011}} until 23 September
HNLMS Vlaardingen, an Alkmaar-class minehunter{{cite web |url=http://www.defensie.nl/missies/afgeronde_missies/libi |title=Netherlands MoD, Libya Operation |publisher=NLD Ministry of Defence |access-date=11 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402005711/http://www.defensie.nl/missies/afgeronde_missies/libi |archive-date=2 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}
{{flag icon|Romania}} Romanian Navy
Regele Ferdinand, a Type 22 frigate{{cite web |url=http://www.mapn.ro/evenimente/uploads/documents/20110323_184038_2bc32864bab4abf9cb73729c2e1b777f.doc |format=DOC |title=Declaraţia Ministrului Apărării Naţionale Gabriel Opera |trans-title=The Statement: The Minister of National Defense Gabriel Opera |language=ro |website=mapn.ro |date=March 23, 2011 |access-date=February 29, 2024}}
{{flag icon|ESP}} Spanish Armed Forces
Spanish Navy
{{ship|Spanish frigate|Méndez Núñez||2}}, an {{sclass|Álvaro de Bazán|frigate}}{{cite web|url=http://www.manw.nato.int/page_snmg1_ships.aspx|title=SNMG1 Ships|publisher=NATO|date=24 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224072945/http://www.manw.nato.int/page_snmg1_ships.aspx|archive-date=24 February 2011}}
Tramontana, an {{sclass|Agosta|submarine}}{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-22/spanish-fighter-jets-complete-first-patrol-over-libya.html | title=Spanish Fighter Jets Complete First Patrol Over Libya | access-date=24 March 2011 | date=22 March 2011 | publisher=Bloomberg | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104225329/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-22/spanish-fighter-jets-complete-first-patrol-over-libya.html | archive-date=4 November 2012 | first=Ben | last=Sills | url-status=dead}}
{{flag icon|Turkey}} Turkish Navy{{cite web|url=http://www.sabah.com.tr/Gundem/2011/03/24/tezkere_bugun_mecliste|title=Tezkere bugün Meclis'te|publisher=Sabah|date=24 March 2011}}
TCG Zafer, a Tepe-class frigate
TCG Giresun, a G-class frigate
TCG Gemlik, a G-class frigate
TCG Yıldırım, a {{sclass|Yavuz|frigate}}
TCG Yıldıray, a Type 209 submarine
TCG Akar, a fleet support ship
{{flag icon|United Kingdom}} Royal Navy
{{HMS|Bangor|M109|6}} ({{sclass2|Sandown|minehunter}})[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Ships/Patrol-and-Minehunters/Sandown-Class/HMS-Bangor# HMS Bangor]. Royalnavy.mod.uk. Retrieved on 2013-08-16.
{{HMS|Brocklesby|M33|6}} (Hunt-class minesweeper){{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13023800 | title=Libya: RAF Tornados destroy seven Libyan tanks | access-date=9 April 2011 | date=9 April 2011 |work=BBC News | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410034231/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13023800 | url-status=live | archive-date=10 April 2011}}
{{HMS|Ocean|L12|6}} (Landing platform helicopter) (From 27 May 2011).[http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/ApachesGetReadyToHelpProtectLibyanCivilians.htm Apaches get ready to help protect Libyan civilians - Announcements - GOV.UK]. Mod.uk (27 May 2011). Retrieved on 2013-08-16.[http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/1213-ocean-and-her-gunships-dispatched-to-libya.aspx Reporting from the Fleet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201221915/http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/1213-ocean-and-her-gunships-dispatched-to-libya.aspx |date=1 February 2016 }}. Navy News. Retrieved on 2013-08-16.
{{HMS|Albion|L14|6}} ({{sclass|Albion|landing platform dock|0}} landing platform dock){{cite web | url=http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/1226-task-force-sent-to-libya-to-ratchet-up-the-pressure-on-gaddafi.aspx | title=Task force sent to Libya to ratchet up the pressure on Gaddafi | publisher=Navy News | date=3 June 2011 | access-date=4 June 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310163926/http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/1226-task-force-sent-to-libya-to-ratchet-up-the-pressure-on-gaddafi.aspx | url-status=dead | archive-date=10 March 2012 }}
{{HMS|Liverpool|D92|6}} (Type 42 destroyer) (Replaced HMS Cumberland from 9 April)
{{HMS|Sutherland|F81|6}} (Type 23 frigate)
{{HMS|Iron Duke|F234|6}} (Type 23 frigate)
{{ship|RFA|Fort Rosalie|A385|6}} (Stores ship)
{{ship|RFA|Wave Knight|A389|6}} (Tanker)
{{HMS|Triumph|S93|6}} ({{sclass|Trafalgar|submarine}}){{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12799493 | work=BBC News | title=Libya: RAF 'comfortable' with outcome of airstrikes | date=20 March 2011}}
{{HMS|Turbulent|S87|6}} ({{sclass|Trafalgar|submarine}})
{{flag icon|United States}} United States Navy
{{USS|Mount Whitney|LCC-20|6}} ({{sclass|Blue Ridge|command ship}})
{{USS|Kearsarge|LHD-3|6}} ({{sclass|Wasp|amphibious assault ship}}){{cite web |url=http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/03/navy-libya-bataan-arg-deploys-early-032311w/ |title=Bataan ARG heads to Libya duty in Med - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times |access-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031170155/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/03/navy-libya-bataan-arg-deploys-early-032311w/ |archive-date=31 October 2011 |url-status=dead}}
{{USS|Bataan|LHD-5|6}} ({{sclass|Wasp|amphibious assault ship}})
{{USS|Mesa Verde|LPD-19|6}} ({{sclass|San Antonio|amphibious transport dock}})
{{USS|Whidbey Island|LSD-41|6}} ({{sclass|Whidbey Island|dock landing ship}}
{{USS|Ponce|LPD-15|6}} ({{sclass|Austin|amphibious transport dock}})
{{USS|Carter Hall|LSD-50|6}} ({{sclass|Harpers Ferry|dock landing ship}})
{{USS|Barry|DDG-52|6}} ({{sclass|Arleigh Burke|destroyer}})
{{USS|Stout|DDG-55|6}} ({{sclass|Arleigh Burke|destroyer}})
{{USS|Mahan|DDG-72|6}} ({{sclass|Arleigh Burke|destroyer}})
{{USS|Halyburton|FFG-40|6}} ({{sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate}}){{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news%2Fawx%2F2011%2F06%2F21%2Fawx_06_21_2011_p0-338953.xml&headline=Fire%20Scout%20Crashes%20During%20Libya%20Mission |title=Fire Scout Crashes During Libya Mission | AVIATION WEEK |website=www.aviationweek.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020190422/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news%2Fawx%2F2011%2F06%2F21%2Fawx_06_21_2011_p0-338953.xml&headline=Fire%20Scout%20Crashes%20During%20Libya%20Mission |archive-date=20 October 2011 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web | url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6039758&c=EUR&s=SEA | title=Ships Offered To Police NATO's Libya Arms Embargo | access-date=24 March 2011 | date=23 March 2011 | publisher=Defense News | archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5xQRStRpQ?url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6039758&c=EUR&s=SEA | archive-date=24 March 2011 | url-status=dead}}
{{USNS|Kanawha|T-AO-196|6}} ({{sclass|Henry J. Kaiser|replenishment oiler}})
{{USNS|Lewis and Clark|T-AKE-1|6}} ({{sclass|Lewis and Clark|dry cargo ship}})
{{USNS|Robert E. Peary|T-AKE-5|6}} ({{sclass|Lewis and Clark|dry cargo ship}})
{{USS|Providence|SSN-719|6}} ({{sclass|Los Angeles|submarine}})
{{USS|Scranton|SSN-756|6}} ({{sclass|Los Angeles|submarine}})
{{USS|Florida|SSGN-728|6}} ({{sclass|Ohio|submarine|0}} cruise missile submarine)[http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59192 U.S. Naval Forces Open Odyssey Dawn, Prepare No-Fly Zone] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322131131/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59192 |date=22 March 2011 }}. Navy.mil. Retrieved on 2013-08-16.
{{flagicon|United States}}United States Marine Corps
22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Embarked aboard {{USS|Bataan|LHD-5|6}}, Whidbey Island, and {{USS|Mesa Verde|LPD-19|2}})
Battalion Landing Team- 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment
Company E (Mechanized Company, USS Whidbey Island)
1st Platoon, Company C, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion (formerly 3d Plt, Company D) (Amphibious Assault Vehicle)
Tank Platoon, 2nd Tank Battalion (M1A1 Abrams Tanks)
Company F (Helo Company, USS Bataan)
Company G (Truck Company, USS Mesa Verde)
Battery L, 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment (155mm Artillery and 120mm Mortars)
LAR Platoon, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (Light Armored Vehicles)
Recon Platoon, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion
Combat Logistics Battalion 22
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (VMM 263) (Reinforced) (MV-22B, CH-53E, AV-8B, AH-1W, UH-1N, KC-130J)
Det Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14
Det Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26
Det C Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron 252 (C-130)
Det A Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron 452 (C-130)
Det A Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron 352 (C-130)

= Allied Air Command =

{{flag icon|TUR}} Turkish Air Force
6 x F-16C/D Block 40 fighter aircraft operating from Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy{{cite web|url=https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/haber/f-16lar-libya-yolcusu-232616|title=F-16'lar Libya yolcusu (Turkish)|publisher=Cumhuriyet|date=24 March 2011}}
1 × KC-135R aerial refueling aircraft
{{flag icon|BEL}} Belgian Air Component
6 x F-16 AM 15MLU fighter aircraft operating from Araxos Air Base, Greece{{cite web|url=http://www.mil.be/perscom/index.asp?LAN=nl&ID=1708|title=De Belgische deelname aan de operatie Unified Protector m.b.t. Libië (Dutch)|publisher=Belgian Armed Forces|date=22 October 2011|access-date=21 April 2012|archive-date=2 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102191549/http://www.mil.be/perscom/index.asp?LAN=nl&id=1708|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mil.be/perscom/index.asp?LAN=nl&ID=1711|title=Terugkeer laatste F16's uit Libië (Dutch)|publisher=Belgian Armed Forces|date=31 October 2011|access-date=21 April 2012|archive-date=2 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102191856/http://www.mil.be/perscom/index.asp?LAN=nl&id=1711|url-status=dead}}
{{flag icon|Canada}} Royal Canadian Air Force[http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/feature-vedette/2011/02/updates-misesajour/03-22-2011-eng.asp "Update on CF Operations in Libya"] {{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} Canadian Forces website, 22 March 2011
6 × CF-18 Hornet multirole fighter jets operating from Trapani Air Base, Italy
2 × CC-17 Globemaster strategic transport aircraft
2 × CC-130J Hercules tactical transport aircraft operating from Trapani Air Base, Italy
2 × CC-150 Polaris air-to-air refueling tankers operating from Trapani Air Base, Italy
2 × CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/canadian-patrol-planes-to-join-libya-mission-1.1113199 |title=Canadian patrol planes to join Libya mission |publisher=CBC |date=24 March 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110325141257/http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/03/24/libya-gadhafi-rebel-misrata.html |archive-date=25 March 2011}} operating from Sigonella Air Base, Italy
Joint Task Force 2 (Canadian Special Operations Forces Command){{cite news|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/Canadian+warship+route+JTF2+sent+Libya/4369428/story.html|title=Canadian warship en route, JTF2 sent to Libya|newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen|date=2 March 2011|access-date=2 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110309222337/http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Canadian+warship+route+JTF2+sent+Libya/4369428/story.html|archive-date=9 March 2011}}
{{flag icon|DEN}} Royal Danish Air Force{{cite web|url=http://politiken.dk/newsinenglish/ECE1227910/denmark-to-send-squadron-on-libya-op/ |title=Denmark to send squadron on Libya op |publisher=Politiken.dk |date=14 March 2011 |access-date=19 March 2011}}{{subscription required}}
6 x F-16 AM 15MLU fighter jets operating from Sigonella Air Base, Italy
1 x C-130J-30 tactical transport aircraft
{{flag icon|France|1974}} French Air Force (transferred from Opération Harmattan)
8 × Rafale fighters
8 × Mirage 2000-5 fighters
6 × Mirage 2000D fighter-bombers
2 × Mirage F1CR reconnaissance aircraft
6 × C135 aerial refueling aircraft
1 x E-3F AWACS aircraft
1 x C-160G SIGINT electronic surveillance aircraft
Commando Parachutiste de l'Air companies 20 and 30 forward deployed to Solenzara Air Base, Corsica{{cite web|url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/operation-harmattan-libye/actualites/libye-la-base-aerienne-de-solenzara-sous-haute-protection|title=Libye : la base aérienne de Solenzara sous haute protection|publisher=French Ministry of Defense|date=28 March 2011}}
{{flag icon|GRE}} Hellenic Air Force
4 x F-16 fighter jets{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}}
1 x Embraer R-99 early warning and control aircraft{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}}
{{flag icon|ITA}} Italian Air Force{{cite web|url=http://www.difesa.it/Primo_Piano/Pagine/UnifiedProtector.aspx |title=Operazione Unified Protector |publisher=Italian Ministry of Defense |date=31 March 2011|access-date=1 April 2011}}
4 x Tornado ECR SEAD aircraft operating from Trapani Air Base
4 x F-16 fighter jets
4 x Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets operating from Trapani Air Base
4 x Panavia Tornado IDS, operating from Trapani Air Base, began attacking military targets in Libya with Storm Shadow missiles and JDAM and Paveway smart bombs on 28 April
4 x AMX Ghibli fighter jets operating since 25 July
{{flag|NATO}}
E-3 airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft{{cite web|url=http://www.adressa.no/nyheter/nordtrondelag/article1606878.ece|title=Her letter de på vei mot Libya|date=22 March 2011|publisher=adressa.no|access-date=26 March 2011|archive-date=23 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110323111036/http://www.adressa.no/nyheter/nordtrondelag/article1606878.ece|url-status=dead}} operating from Forward Operating Base Trapani
{{flag icon|Netherlands}} Royal Netherlands Air Force
6 × F-16 AM 15MLU multi-role fighter jets operating from Decimomannu Air Base, Italy{{cite web|url=http://www.government.nl/News/Press_releases_and_news_items/2011/June|title=News|work=government.nl}}
1 × McDonnell Douglas KDC-10 aerial refuelling aircraft, until 4 April
{{flag icon|NOR}} Royal Norwegian Air Force{{Cite web |url=http://www.defensie.nl/missies/afgeronde_missies/libi |title=OUP - Libië | Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=11 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402005711/http://www.defensie.nl/missies/afgeronde_missies/libi |archive-date=2 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}
6 x F-16 AM 15MLU fighter jets operating from Souda Air Base, Crete{{cite web|url=http://www.dagbladet.no/2011/03/20/nyheter/libya/utenriks/muammar_kadhafi/kadhafi/15879797/ |title=Vet ikke hvilke farer som møter dem – nyheter |publisher=Dagbladet.no |date=20 March 2011 |access-date=19 May 2011}} (until July 2011){{cite web | url=http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/uriks/article4187627.ece/ | title=Exit Libya for norske jagerfly | publisher=Aftenposten.no | date=30 July 2011 | access-date=31 July 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011065114/http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/uriks/article4187627.ece | archive-date=11 October 2012 | url-status=dead | language=no}}
2 x C-130J-30 tactical transport aircraft supporting the Norwegian forces.{{cite web |url=http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article4076935.ece |title=Faremo: – Ikke aktuelt å væpne libyske opprørere – Nyheter – Innenriks |publisher=Aftenposten.no |access-date=19 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010204603/http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article4076935.ece |archive-date=10 October 2012}} (until July 2011)
{{flag icon|QAT}} Qatar Emiri Air Force{{cite news|url=https://www.af.mil/News/story/id/123248695/|title=New coalition member flies first sortie enforcing no-fly zone over Libya|publisher=Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn Public Affairs|date=25 March 2011|access-date=15 April 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504233801/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123248695|archive-date=4 May 2011}}
Six Mirage 2000-5EDA fighters jets operating from Souda Air Base, Crete
Two C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft
{{flag icon|ESP}} Spanish Air Force{{cite web|url=http://www.mde.es/gabinete/notasPrensa/2011/03/DGC_110321_primeramision_f18.html |title=Ministerio de Defensa – Dos cazas y el avión de reabastecimiento realizan la primera patrulla aérea en Libia |publisher=Mde.es |access-date=19 May 2011}}
4 x EF-18AM Hornet fighters jets operating from Decimomannu Air Base, Italy.
1 x KC-130H Hercules Tanker Aircraft operating from Decimomannu Air Base, Italy
1 x Boeing 707-331B(KC) tanker aircraft*** 1 x CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft{{cite web|url=http://www.bruxelles2.eu/afrique/maghreb/les-moyens-de-loperation-embargo-sur-les-armes.html|title=Les moyens de l'opération d'embargo sur les armes. Nom de code: Unified Protector|publisher=Bruxelles2|date=22 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408182146/http://www.bruxelles2.eu/afrique/maghreb/les-moyens-de-loperation-embargo-sur-les-armes.html|archive-date=8 April 2011}}
{{flag icon|SWE}} Royal Swedish Air Force{{cite web |author=Foto: Petr David Josek |url=http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/1.2383264/sverige-skickar-jas-gripen-till-libyen |title=Sverige skickar Jas Gripen till Libyen – Nyheter – Senaste nytt, Expressen – Nyheter Sport Ekonomi Nöje |publisher=Expressen.se |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402133733/http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/1.2383264/sverige-skickar-jas-gripen-till-libyen |archive-date=2 April 2011 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Gripenplan kan lyfta på lördag|url=http://www.aftonbladet.se/senastenytt/ttnyheter/inrikes/article12812778.ab |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604090112/http://www.aftonbladet.se/senastenytt/ttnyheter/inrikes/article12812778.ab|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 June 2016|access-date=1 April 2011|language=sv}}[http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/04/04/355099/libya-sweden-sends-gripens-to-join-unified-protector.html "Sweden sends Gripens to join Unified Protector"] By Craig Hoyle, FlightGlobal, 4 April 2011
5 (reduced from 8) JAS 39C Gripen fighter jets operating from Sigonella Air Base, Italy
1 x Lockheed Tp-84T C-130 Hercules configured as aerial tanker
1 x S 102B Korpen{{cite magazine|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a52262463-20e7-48e2-96e6-6754233ba34e&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest |title=Libya: Gripens To Start Flying; Typhoons To Start Dropping Bombs |magazine=Aviation Week |date=7 April 2011 |access-date=9 April 2011}} SIGINT aircraft based on Gulfstream IV business Jet
{{flag icon|UAE}} United Arab Emirates Air Force[https://web.archive.org/web/20110328234034/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jyHWoopR-bfPx_fWg_9a5HgpSBPQ?docId=CNG.82fce0d1e069b2865b114176f57c0264.2a1 AFP: UAE fighter jets arrive in Italy for Libya operations]. Google.com (2011-03-27). Retrieved on 2013-08-16.
6 x F-16 E/F Block 60 Falcon fighter jets operating from Decimomannu Air Base, Italy
6 x Dassault Mirage 2000 fighter jets operating from Decimomannu Air Base, Italy
{{flag icon|United Kingdom}} Royal Air Force
16 Panavia Tornado GR4A
8 (originally 10) Eurofighter Typhoons operating from Gioia del Colle Air Base, Italy
2 Vickers VC-10 tanker aircraft
2 AgustaWestland Lynx HMA.8 from the Royal Navy (Fleet Air Arm)
4 AgustaWestland Apache attached from the Army Air Corps
3 Sentry AEW.1 surveillance aircraft
1 Raytheon Sentinel R1 surveillance aircraft
{{flag icon|JOR}} Royal Jordanian Air Force{{cite web |url=http://www.iiss.org/whats-new/iiss-voices/operation-odyssey-dawn-ellamy-harmattan-mobile/ |title=International Institute for Strategic Studies Allied assets deployed to Libya |publisher=Iiss.org |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-date=2 August 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120802015503/http://www.iiss.org/whats-new/iiss-voices/operation-odyssey-dawn-ellamy-harmattan-mobile/ |url-status=dead }}
6 x F-16 MLU fighter jets operating from Aviano Air Base, Italy
{{flag icon|USA}} United States Air Force
77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (Shaw AFB)
313th Air Expeditionary Wing (Moron AB, Spain)
Included KC-10A, KC-135R, EC-130J Psychological Warfare aircraft, E-8, E-3, and U-2S reconnaissance aircraft, F-15 and F-16 fighter aircraft, and MQ-1 Predator(Operated by the USAF & RAF).{{cite news|url=http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/06/defense-africom-air-force-navy-flying-libya-missions-063011/ |title=AFRICOM: AF, Navy still flying Libya missions |newspaper=Air Force Times |access-date=22 August 2011}}
{{flagicon|United States of America}} United States Navy
US Navy P-3C aircraft operating from NAS Sigonella
{{flagicon|United States of America}} United States Marine Corps
Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 (VMAQ-1) operating from Aviano Air Base, Italy{{Cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2012/02/07/aviano-oup/|title=Vipers, Growlers, Prowlers, Eagles and Hogs: U.S. combat planes at Aviano airbase during Libya air war. With heart background.|date=2012-02-07|website=The Aviationist|access-date=2017-06-23}}

Contributions and expenses by country

{{For|summary of missions flown|2011 military intervention in Libya#Action by international forces}}

USA: from 1 April to 22 August, the US flew 5,316 sorties over Libya, including 1,210 strike sorties, with munitions deployed 262 times. By 31 July, the US had spent US$896 million in the conflict.{{cite web | url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18323:war-in-libya-cost-united-states-us896-million | title=War in Libya cost United States US$896 million | publisher=Defence Web | date=24 August 2011 | access-date=1 September 2011}}
UK: By 12 July, the UK had spent about €136 million on operations in Libya.{{cite web|url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/international/2011/07/12/01003-20110712ARTFIG00455-paris-a-depense-au-moins-100-millions-d-euros-pour-la-guerre-en-libye.php|title=Guerre en Libye : Paris a dépensé 160 millions d'euros|work=Le Figaro|date=12 July 2011}}
Denmark: Royal Danish Air Force F-16 fighters flew their first mission over Libya on 20 March and their last on 31 October 2011, a total of 600 sorties dropping 923 bombs, equaling 12,1% of the total number dropped during the conflict.{{Cite book|title=Precision and purpose : airpower in the Libyan Civil War|last=P.|first=Mueller, Karl|others=Project Air Force (U.S.), Rand Corporation|isbn=9780833088093|location=Santa Monica, CA|oclc=907811633}} By 31 October, Denmark had spent a total of 620 million DKK (approx. €77.5 million) on operations in Libya, of which 297 million DKK (approx. €37.1 million) would have been spent on training anyway.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cs.dk/nyt/nyhed/artikel/libyen_gjort_dyrere_i_pressen/|title=Libyen gjort dyrere i pressen|last=Tang|first=Soeren|date=4 January 2012}}{{Dead link|date=July 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
Norway: Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16 fighters flew daily missions, and as of the end of July 2011, when Norway ceased its participation in military operations, the Air Force had dropped 588 bombs during the conflict and flown 615 sorties (about 17% of the sorties to that point).{{cite news | url=http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/uriks/article4187627.ece | title=Exit Libya for norske jagerfly | newspaper=Aftenposten | date=30 July 2011 | access-date=1 September 2011}}
Italy: by 31 October, the Italian Air Force had dropped 710 bombs including approximately 30 Storm Shadow missiles during the conflict.{{cite journal|last=Kingston|first=Tom|date=14 December 2011|title=Italy Gives Bombing Stats for Libya Campaign|journal=Defense News}}

References

External links

[http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-EC19C8AA-C16BD266/natolive/71679.htm NATO page about operations in Libya]
[http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_03/20110325_110325-unified-protector-command-control.pdf "Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR Command and Control"] – North Atlantic Treaty Organization website
[http://psywar.org/libya_broadcasts.php "Commando Solo PSYOP/MISO Radio Broadcasting in Libya, 2011"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207025751/http://psywar.org/libya_broadcasts.php |date=7 February 2012 }} – PsyWar.Org website
[https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo45390 The North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Libya: Reviewing Operation Unified Protector] Strategic Studies Institute

Category:Conflicts in 2011

Category:Foreign intervention in the Libyan civil war (2011)

Category:International security

Category:Military operations involving NATO

Category:Military operations involving Canada

Category:Military operations involving Denmark

Category:Military operations involving France

Category:Military operations involving Greece

Category:Military operations involving Italy

Category:Military operations involving the Netherlands

Category:Military operations involving Norway

Category:Military operations involving Spain