FDC FRANCE "Operation HARMATTAN LIBYA 2011" Rafale, St Exupery 113 AB (Type 3)

The UN Security Council passes resolution 1973 authorizing an intervention international military in Libya

The vote on resolution 1973 by the United Nations Security Council, then the Paris summit of March 19, 2011 bringing together European, Arab and North American leaders, opened the way for an international military intervention in Libya (code name Odyssey Dawn / Dawn of the Odyssey). This aims to protect the Libyan civilian population against attacks led by Colonel Gaddafi.

France - Operation Harmattan

After heavily influencing the adoption by the UN of resolution 1973 authorizing the intervention, France undertook, within the framework of Harmattan (the name given to the French aspect of international operations), to mobilize planes and the carrier group. Among them: Rafale, Mirage 2000-D, Mirage 2000-5, tanker aircraft and Awacs. To support them, Task Force 473 made up of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle with 1800 men on board and about fifteen fighter planes. It is supported by four frigates, a La Meuse supply ship and an attack submarine.

The AB 113 Rafales in the Libyan sky

The only air base equipped with around fifty Rafale, technological flagship of the Air Force, the AB 113 of Saint-Dizier participates in France's nuclear deterrence mission. Rafales of the AB 113 were engaged in the Libyan sky from March 19, 2011 as part of Operation Harmattan. On June 18 and 19, 2011, an exceptional air show took place on the Base.