This morning we thought to trak an usual Turkish mission to Misrata. But now we know that thisa mission was not usual.
Off Libya we can track:
- 2x Lockheed C-130E (callsign TUAF221 & TUAF222) departed from Istanbul
- a Turkish Air Force unidentifed aircraft (C-130 or probably a CASA CN235) departed from Konya AB as SAR asset
- 3x Turkish Air Force Boeing KC-135R (60-0326, 58-0110, 62-3539)
- 1x Turkish Air Force Boeing E-7T (13-002)
- different Turkish Air Force Lockheed Martin F-16
But Turkish aircraft are not the only presences in the area. We’ve also tracked an Italian Air Force Beech B350ER (MM62300) that made an ISR mission off Misrata
And in these minutes (14:30 CEST) also a NATO Northrop Grumman RQ-4D (MAGMA10) is made a mission in the area
The Turkish formation is now back to Turkey and an Hellenic Air Force Embraer ERJ-145 AEW&C (757) is departed from Souda Bay AB eastbound to patrol the area. We don’t know if this aircraft is alone but probably is escorted by some Greek F-16
Even if nothing dangerous happens, these kind of actions are worth their expenses. Something quite different than simulating. Turkey, must show how capable she is, and how far is she ready to go, how much she means with ” business” and stay put.