photo Sirpa Air
25/08/11 By Zach Rosenberg SOURCE:Flight International
The French ministry of defence has confirmed using EADS/Israeli Aerospace Industries Harfang medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned air vehicle (MALE UAV) in operations over Libya.
France has deployed 20 people to Sigonella, Italy, to support an unknown number of aircraft in operations of Libya. The first operational mission took place late in the night of 24 August.
France has operated a number of manned combat aircraft, including the Mirage F-1 and Dassault Rafale, conducting airstrikes against the collapsing Muammar Gaddafi government. France has also deployed special forces to train and equip the advancing rebels.
France has been operating the Harfang, a derivative of the IAI Heron, since 2006. The system has been deployed to other war zones, including Afghanistan. In July, France selected a larger version, the Heron-TP, to replace the Harfang.
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