Libyan Mirages Defect to Malta.
 

'The arrival of the jets was unexpected and initial reports point towards the scenario where the pilots defected Libya after being ordered to fire on protesters. The Guardian quoted Soula al-Balaazi, a Libyan activist in Tripoli, saying that fighter jets opened fire against protesters in many areas around Tripoli.'

maltastar.com

Things seem to be hotting up...

I'd defect to Malta if I could. What a great night out there is to be had in Paceville!

They probably went there for the Kinnie. Don't blame them.

I think I operated from that dispersal a few times!

timesofmalta.com - Updated: Libyan fighter jets arrive in Malta

Gutsy move Mav!

RAF El Adem anyone?:ok:

says it all really.....
 

A deal struck with tyranny - Telegraph

One is a 2 faced lying dictator, who sacrifices his people for a vainglorious cause.... and the other one is Col Gadaffi!

If it is true that the Libyan Air Force is bombing civilians, then it amounts to a war crime. So where is our response? Why aren't we imposing a no-fly zone over Libya?

Are we just waiting for the yanks to finish their holiday?

Don't worry Trim Stab, the cupboard is not bare. There are 2 Squirrels on their way from Shawbury to do the NEO. They will launch off the only rib that the RN haven't punctured. 2 Tutors will provide CAP. LRMP is being provided by the SkyNews helicopter.

Video update
 

Video from Malta here

LiveLeak.com - Libyan fighter jets arrive in Malta - pilots request asylum

I would like to think that someone like say the Italian Air Force was aware that EU airspace was being entered into by the Libyan Mirages.

LOL. That is worth a GEMS suggestion.

RAF El Adem
 

Many times in the "Sixties". Not the best place for a detachment or diversion but still welcoming and I had some great times there. Maybe our aspirations change as we get (much) older!!:ok::ok:

Hi Bill, I too remember El Adem with some pleasure. We were there once when a Hastings crew was attached as supernumerary when the fleet was grounded. They were general dogsbodies, we OTOH, were well fed in the aircrew feeder. I still remember the Fillet Mignon that was served routinely as a post-flight meal.

Such acts prove that, in such circumstances, some people have the moral strength to hold to values of honour and moral value. Such values are independent of nationality or religion.

I praise them for them decision, which throws away their past, property and careers, and pray that it does not cause harm to their families.

Whilst not braver than those in the street, this was a decision which had to be made in the cold light of day.

As-Salamu Alaykum

Seconded.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/multimedi...e_1831425c.jpg

The image published by the Telegraph - if apposite?? - shows stores remaining on the outboard mountings which I cannot place - any ideas?

(Tender regards to anyone at El Adem back in '65 - not least the catering crew!).

Malta
 

No problem, we have a PR and maritime squadron there, and can swiftly fly in AD and GR and ............. I woke up

dogle - rockets. At a guess something along the lines of Matra 155s complete with 68mm rockets...

There are some better photos here, BTW, which give a slightly better view of the items in question.

Interestingly they asked for re-fuelling, no doubt they were heading for the UK having heard they would be given a nice home, lots of allowances and aid....... :p

Do you think they thought they would be given fuel and allowed to swan around all over Europe in an armed fighter whilst they sought out their ideal retirement location?

Dogle,

Rocket pods. The following links show the two Mirage F.1s in Malta.

502 - Libya - Air Force Dassault Mirage F1 Aircraft Photo | Airplane-Pictures.net

508 - Libya - Air Force Dassault Mirage F1 Aircraft Photo | Airplane-Pictures.net

TJ

well done to the pilots who defected. Some moral courage shown there. Their families are now probably being rounded up, tortured and who knows what.