Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 3 May 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 May 2011. It was answered by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Thursday, 19 May 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Libya: Armed Conflict

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many sorties have been flown over Libya by UK armed forces; and in how many such sorties weapons have been deployed.

Answer: Up to 8 May 2011 the UK has flown about 300 GR4 Tornado and 140 Typhoon sorties as part of Operation Ellamy. Both aircraft types have conducted missions to protect civilians in support of UN Security Council Resolution 1973, and the Typhoons have also conducted missions in support of no-fly zone enforcement.In all, approximately 240 weapons have been fired by these aircraft during these missions. These were a combination of Dual Mode Seeker Brimstone and Storm Shadow missiles, Enhanced Paveway II and Paveway IV Precision Guided Munitions. I am unable to provide a breakdown of these figures for reasons of operational security.

Secondary information