On 17 March the United Nations Security council approved a no fly zone over Libya. Resolution 1973 was passed on a vote of 10-0 by the council, with Russia, China and Germany notably abstaining. The new resolution was tabled by the UK, France, the Lebanon and the USA, approves the use of airpower over Libya to protect Libyan civilians from Col Gadaffi's army as he seeks to retain power in the face of an uprising by opponents.

The resolution went further than many had expected and implied that the use of airstrikes would be sanctioned. This may be necessary if the no fly aircraft are to operate with impunity. The Libyan air defence network may lock up no fly zone aircraft - and MANPADS seem to be prolific in Libya - a massive threat for the UN-enforcement aircraft.

It may also be a case of surgical airstrikes to prevent Libyan military aircraft from continuing operations.

It's another fascinating time for military aviation. Once again underlining the need to flexible airpower of sufficient volume.