Gripen fighter planes to be sent to Libya

Updated: 13:50

The Swedish government plans to send Gripen fighter planes to maintain the no-fly zone over Libya, following a request from NATO on Tuesday morning, reports news agency TT.

Prime Minister, Fredrik Reinfeldt said the planes will not be used to attack targets on the ground.

The Prime Minister will inform parliament this afternoon. He has previously said that he wants a broad agreement in the Swedish parliament before any such decision is taken.

Some of the opposition parties have already said they would not support the bombing of ground troops. However, most of the parties do support some form of action, due to the UN Security Council mandate behind the no-fly zone.

Sweden is prepared to send 130 military personnel, 8 Gripen fighter planes and  Hercules plane, according to Swedish Radio News.