This article is part of a series on the 2011 NATO-led intervention in Libya
Belgium was an early proponent of NATO’s mission in Libya, first taking part in Operation Odyssey Dawn, then Operation Unified Protector. The Belgian Air Component deployed six F-16A Block 20MLU Fighting Falcons equipped for both the fighter and the strike role. The F-16s, belonging to the 349th Squadron, were originally engaged in a training exercise with the Hellenic Air Force and were stationed at Araxos AB in Greece as a result. They were among the first NATO aircraft on-scene over Libya, launching their first combat missions on March 21st. The 349th was later reinforced by the 31st Squadron, only to themselves be replaced by the 1st and 350th Squadrons, both of the 2nd Fighter Wing. This high turnover rate reflects the small size of the Belgian Air Component and demonstrating the difficulties Brussels may face in a prolonged engagement.
Despite the small size of the Air Component, the aging F-16s still managed to rack up quite an impressive number of missions. Over the course of 173 days, the aircraft flew 2,516 hours (615 missions total, with 226 being at night) and delivered 473 precision-guided bombs (with 97 percent hitting their target).
BNS Narcis off the coast of Libya
In addition to the aircraft deployment, the Belgian Naval Component also deployed two Tripartite-class minehunters, BNS Narcis (M923) and BNS Lobelia (M921) for blockade enforcement and, eventually, mine clearance operations. The vessels were at sea for 198 days. On October 31st, the F-16s returned to Belgium, ending the air mission. This marked the formal end of Belgium’s contribution in Libya, with Narcis and Lobelia returning by November 17th.
belgian air component
- 6 x General Dynamics F-16A Block 20MLU Fighting Falcon | Multirole Fighter
- 2nd Fighter Wing
- 1st Squadron “Stingers”
- 350th Squadron “Ambiorix”
- 10th Fighter Wing
- 31st Squadron “Tigers”
- 349th Squadron “Mace”
- 2nd Fighter Wing
belgian naval component
- BNS Narcis | Tripartite-class Minehunter
- BNS Lobelia | Tripartite-class Minehunter
