Coalition building is a key aim of the USA for its war against terrorism. President George Bush named Australia, Canada, France and Germany as providing support, while the UK participated in the first night of operations on 7 October, launching cruise missiles from submarines.
UK aircraft, however, did not participate in operations until the night of 9/10 October. The UK has deployed Boeing E-3 Sentry Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems platforms, BACVC10 and Lockheed TriStar in-flight refuelling tankers, BAE Systems Nimrod R1 signals/electronic intelligence (SIGINT/ELINT) platforms and BAC Canberra PR9 reconnaissance assets.
The Royal Australian Air Force is planning an airbridge linking RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia, to Diego Garcia and Oman to support 150 Australian SAS personnel.
The airbridge is expected to comprise mainly Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules.
Australia has offered two Boeing 707 tankers and is to make available two Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions and warships. The Orions are believed to be SIGINT aircraft.
The Canadian forces are sending warships to the Gulf along with three Hercules, an Airbus CC-150 Polaris (A310) and two Lockheed Martin CP-140Auroras.
France says it has not decided on its contribution as it is "waiting for the return of a joint staff delegation from the USA. We are studying all the possibilities".
Germany has taken a leading role in "backfilling" as the USarmed forces withdraw from other tasks to deploy on anti-terror operations.
To replace USAFE-3s that were previously patrolling US airspace, NATOhas deployed five Sentrys to the USA.
Source: Flight International
