Six Belgian F-16 fighter jets are currently stationed at the Greek air base of Araxos, near the city of Patras. The fighter jets together with a frigate in the Mediterranean Sea have been deployed in the context of a possible NATO military intervention against Libya. The Belgian government is ready to participate in a military action in Libya NATO umbrella, European Affairs Minister Oliver Chastel said Friday. The government decided to “tell NATO that we are available, offer what we have and wait for a common command” Chastel told reporters after a government meeting (AFP ). It has not been revealed when the F-16 arrived in Greece.
Meanwhile, officially unconfirmed information published in internet claims that
A pair of Belgian F-16 flew Wednesday noon in Malta FIR, near the Libyan airspace. The aircraft, according to this information, belongs to the 10th Tactical Air Wing in Belgium.
According to the NOTAM A0462/11 issued on 15 March the Belgian aircraft were to make air refueling exercises at the Athens FIR in cooperation with Dutch aircraft. The Belgianaircraft belong to 349 Squadron of the Belgian Air Force/belongs to the 10th Tactical Air Wing. (source: qjioannailiadi )
According to Radio Netherland International Dutch Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal has declared his country is ready to participate in a military action against Libya under a NATO command. RNI refers to military option for Dutch F-16 as to be stationed in Greece or Italy. DAF has 87 F-16 and two KDC-10 refuelling aircraft for in-flight refuelling of fighter jets.
According to these information pieces, if the Belgian F-16 (is to) make refuelling exercises at Athens FIR with Dutch aircraft, that means , Dutch aircraft are or will be deployed in Greece soon. Logical, right?
NATO ambassadors have been holding intense meetings since Friday to decide what role the 28-nation alliance may take after the UN Security Council approved a no flu zone over Libya. Most likely a decision will been taken today, Saturday.
