Norway dispatched six F-16 fighter jets Monday as part of its contribution to the no-fly zone operation over Libya. But the planes would not immediately see action until "rules of engagement" have been clarified, Defence Minister Grete Faremo said.
Speaking to Norwegian television news, Faremo said there was a need to clarify the "command and control structure" and "rules of engagement" before the Norwegian planes could take part in the operation, dpa reported.
Faremo said she expected this to be completed within "a few days."
NATO, of which Norway is a member, is still discussing whether the military alliance should take over the operation.
The Norwegian planes were to operate from a base on the southern Greek island of Crete.
In addition to the jets, a Hercules transport plane was on its way with equipment and personnel to service the jets.
Scandinavian neighbour Denmark, also a NATO member, at the weekend deployed six F-16s, of which two were to serve as back-up planes, at the Naval Air Station Sigonella in southern Sicily.
Danish jets took part in their first operation over Libya on Sunday, the Danish defence minister said.
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