Forsvaret til Libya 2011: klar til strid?

Abstract

This study explores the historical detachment of Norwegian air power under the unique UN mandate to protect Libyan civilians in March 2011. In less than 100 hours after the Security Council adopted resolution 1973 authorising a no-fly zone over Libya and all necessary measures to protect civilians, six F-16s and more than 150 personnel left their peace-time assignments in numerous locations in the High North. Without pre-deployment training, the multi-layered combat system performed some of the most sophisticated operations of the entire mission over the African continent. The study undertakes a critical and detailed examination of what went on behind the scenes as war preparations were hurriedly initiated. Did the chain of command respond adequately to this ultimate test in the new security environment? Or did more than ten years of continuous defence reforms expose unclear or lacking procedures and ambiguous roles within the broad array of units involved in the operations? Exploring the Armed Forces’ own reports at the tactical, operational and strategic levels of the preparation phase, this study has found that 1. The Norwegian Armed Forces’ chain of command is not adequately trimmed or manned to respond effectively at short notice. 2. Peace-time rules and regulations have affected force agility to such an extent that it is impossible to meet operational requirements without systematically violating the regulations. 3. The rapid response was down to improvisation and ad hoc solutions and would not have been possible without relevant training, motivated personnel and collective effort at all levels.