European aircraft as reinforcements for Operation Sangaris (Maj5)

(BRUXELLES2, exclusive) Several European countries should support the French operation in the Central African Republic. The French command sent to different "friendly" capitals a list of needs and necessary materials. Among these, certain needs would be particularly listed: 1) strategic transport (from France to the field), 2) tactical transport (planes on site to transport troops and equipment to the Central African Republic and "neighboring countries") , 3) means of medical evacuation (Medevac) of the essentially helicopter type, 4) tankers.

In Eindhoven, the european air transport command (EATC) is mobilized. And depending on the requests, different planes could receive a mission order to the Central African Republic. Everything will then depend on the agreement of the various Member States. A French A340, from the "Esterel" squadron stationed in Creil, has already taken off from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, with 35 soldiers and their equipment on board. After a stopover in Istres (Marseille) where he took charge of 180 more soldiers and 5 tons of additional equipment, he landed in Bangui.

Belgium

The Belgians could make available to the French an Airbus A330 for strategic transport and one or more Hercules C130 for tactical transport, according to our information. The "Kern" (which brings together the various majority leaders) should meet tomorrow (Friday) to decide whether or not to participate, in response to the French request. This does not mean immediate availability, for all its means, a military affairs expert told B2. The Airbus A330 is thus already in Congo carrying out the return of the Belgian paratroopers returning from mission. The government will also have to decide whether it accepts the French request to go not only to the Central African Republic but also to the surrounding countries (Chad, Cameroon, etc.). (Shift5) The subject was postponed to another "kern" in the week.

We remember that the Belgians had been among the first and above all the most willing European allies to support Operation Serval in Mali, sometimes going with their C130s where others could not go (Read: Serval operation. A Danish C130 in Mali. German logistical aid… And Belgium)

The United Kingdom

We also point out that the British should make C-17 strategic airlifters available to the French. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense said so on Thursday (December 5). But there will be no ground troops clarified. We're going " contribute to the transport of French equipment to the Central African Republic using our C17 aircraft. Three flights are planned this month, the first should arrive in the Central African Republic shortly. » British Foreign Secretary William Hague confirmed on December 6. " We too are determined to play our part in this fight against violence he added (note that the message released by the Foreign Office, was also released in French. Supreme courtesy of our British friends!). No sooner had he said these words than the C17 landed at M'Poko airport (Bangui) carrying armored vehicles (see photo). Proof of good Franco-British understanding.

Germany

(Shift) Side German, as completed by my colleague Thomas Wiegold, of Augergeradeaus, the Bundeswehr will put an Airbus A310 for strategic transport, as part of EATC. However, this device will not be able to fly directly to the Central African Republic but to a neighboring country (this could be Cameroon, Gabon or Chad). It is a legal and constitutional reason which commands such a decision: for the participation of German soldiers in a zone of conflict or in an armed operation, it would be necessary the authorization of the Bundestag.

Spain

(Shift3) TheSpain could also provide an air force C-130 plane - with its crew (30 people) to ensure transport to or in the Central African Republic, assures the Spanish press, Saturday (December 7). The French president had made the request during the Franco-Spanish summit.

... and the United States

(Shift2) The Americans enter the dance. In addition to the $40 million already announced for MISCA (about 30 million), the State Department confirmed sells. evening (Dec 6), that the Americans stood ready to assist our African Union partners and our French allies as needed. And Marie Harf, the deputy spokesperson to add: “France's leadership in committing 800 more soldiers and its support for MISCA sends a strong message to all parties that the violence must end”. Questioned by our American colleagues, the spokesperson however did not want to give details on the logistical aid of the American army, simply indicating that it was “in progress”.

[Updates] paper updated Fri 6.12 at 17 p.m. (maj1) and 22 p.m. (maj2), Sat 7.12 at 9 a.m. (maj3), 12 p.m. (maj4 and 18 p.m. (maj5).

Read also on: the European battlegroup (which should not leave):

• European battlegroups: missing in (no) action!
• An EU battlegroup in the Central African Republic? The discussion continues
• Central African Republic. Is a European initiative possible? (Shift)
• Send these "damn" battlegroups in the Central African Republic, you do not think about it!
• Central African Republic: France will send a thousand soldiers (Le Drian)

And the other European initiatives:

• Central African Republic. Is a European initiative possible? (Shift)
• In the Central African Republic, significant urgency, discreet lobbying, sustained action
• Central African Republic: Europe ready to support MISCA

More information follows...