Aircraft
Attack Helicopters Boost NATO Air Ops over Libya
Recent briefings in Brussels and London on
Attack helicopters, including this British AH-64D Apache, are launched from ships off the Libyan coast. (Photo: UK Crown)
Attack helicopters, including this British AH-64D Apache, are launched from ships off the Libyan coast. (Photo: UK Crown)

Recent briefings in Brussels and London on Operation Unified Protector reveal that attack helicopters provided by France and the UK are now making key contributions to NATO-led operations over Libya, which has been extended until the end of September.

British AH-64 Apaches plus French Tigers and Gazelles have destroyed more than 300 targets since their introduction on June 4. Flying at night, they have provided “a valuable psychological and cognitive effect,” according to one British Army officer. The helicopters’ mix of weapons (Hellfire or HOT missiles, rockets and guns) might be more suited to attacking light vehicles and control points employed by Libyan regime forces in concealed and urban areas than the combat aircraft operating from higher altitude.