I / Stockholm April 02, 2011, 15:57 IST
Three fighter jets have left Sweden to join the Nato-led no-fly zone operation over Libya.
Air Force spokesman Rickard Wissman says the JAS 39 Gripen planes left their base in Blekinge in southern Sweden at around 1330 IST today and will arrive at the base in Sardinia a few hours later.
Five more jets will leave for the mission tomorrow. Wissman says the first three planes are "practically ready" to help enforce the no-fly zone as soon as they land.
Swedish lawmakers yesterday approved a contribution of up to eight fighter jets and one transport plane to join the Nato-led mission.
The jets can't be used to bomb Libyan leader Mouammar Gaddafi's ground forces, but will be able to return fire if they are attacked.
