Libya: Apaches Attack (with video)

The U.K. has conducted the first raid on Libya using WAH-64 Apache attack helicopters, deployed unusually at sea on HMS Ocean. Two of four Apaches were involved in the raid.

The U.K. defense ministry has released this video of the strike:

The move is significant in several ways. It is aimed at adding pressure on the Gaddafi forces, but also increases the risk to air crew flying much lower than the fixed-wing aircraft conducting raids there. The BBC reports the Apaches were fired on.

But it also is a remarkably quick revival of the ship-borne Apache employment concept that had been dormant for a while because of operational taskings for Apaches in Iraq and Afghanistan. The HMS Oceandeployment, in fact, began as an exercise before being turned into an actual operation.

The attack was launched against targets near Brega. French helicopters also engaged Libyan targets today for the first time -- Tiger and Gazelle helos are deployed on the Tonnerre. Reports inidcate the Gazelles were used in the attacks early on June 4.

NATO, in announcing the attack, says the helos struck "military vehicles, military equipment and fielded forces." Canadian Lt. Gen. Charles Bouchard, who commands the operation, says in a statement that "this successful engagement demonstrates the unique capabilities brought to bear by attack helicopters."