Two US drones 24 hours a day as reinforcements in Libya. To do what ?
(BRUSSELS2) Robert Gates, the American Defense Minister, confirmed this on Thursday (21 April). Armed drones arrive as reinforcements in Libya. Until now, there were drones but which only carried out ISR (reconnaissance) missions. Now they can also be equipped with missiles and target ground targets. The Predator is the tool rather adapted to the situation. Flying lower, slower, longer (24 hours), it is better suited to target more urban targets. Gaddafi has changed tactics, “nesting in crowded areas to avoid being targeted by NATO aircraft”, according to R. Gates. For the Americans, this therefore allows additional support for its French and British allies in the Libyan conflict, without human risk or a large financial commitment. In the event of a crash, the human loss = 0 (at least on the American side) and the cost is also lower. About $5 million per plane against a $100 million plane or more. The commitment will also be limited: there will be 2 drones 24 hours a day, said General James Cartwright, Vice President of the General Staff of the Armed Forces.
US material for the CNT
The Americans will also provide material assistance to the CNT forces. " Uniforms, canteens and other non-lethal materials » indicated Robert Gates, during a press conference. On the American side, the main concern is not of principle but concrete: to prevent equipment with high US technology from falling into the wrong hands (translate: Gaddafi forces or Al-Qaeda forces). As Gates ironically pointed out: I'm not worried if our canteen technology falls into the wrong hands ».
(Update) A drone carried out a successful strike on Saturday around 13 p.m. (11 a.m. GMT) around Misrata, destroying a multiple rocket launcher (Grad type), NATO confirmed. This is the first engagement of American drones. The drone engaged on Thursday having had to turn around "because of bad weather".
