Britain Says Helicopters Risky in Libya but Needed

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http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/international/britain-says-helicopters-risky-in-libya-but-needed/443842

London. Using British attack helicopters in Libya under NATO command against Libyan leader Muammar el-Qaddafi’s forces is risky but necessary, Britain’s defense minister said on Sunday.

“It is quite right that if we use attack helicopters there is an increased risk, they fly at far lower heights than the fast jets would, and obviously at lower speeds...and they are more susceptible,” Defence Secretary Liam Fox BBC television in an interview.

“That is why in taking that decision we have looked at all the variables; (including) the risk to our service personnel which is always very key,” he added.

NATO officials have said four British Apache attack helicopters are available aboard the assault ship HMS Ocean in the Mediterranean as well as four French Tigres aboard the French helicopter carrier Tonnerre.