© Belgian Army
Lasting two weeks, the Belgian-Luxembourgish mission over Gaza aimed at providing vital assistance to those in need on the ground. In a recent interview with our colleagues from RTL.lu, a Luxembourgish pilot shared insights into the mission.
Humanitarian assistance for a war zone
Since 2013, Luxembourg Army pilots have operated from the 15th Wing in Melsbroek, Belgium, conducting transport missions. Recently, as part of an international coalition led by Jordan, the Luxembourg Army collaborated with Belgian counterparts from Melsbroek on missions over Gaza. A captain* of the Luxembourg army shed light on the challenges faced during the mission.
According to the pilot, Gaza's status as a conflict zone presented unique challenges, necessitating careful planning and swift action. With a mere three-day notice, the crew had to analyse the terrain and threats quickly. The primary objective was clear: to provide aid while minimising risks on the ground during supply drops.
The crew had trained for missions like this, although they had never conducted such operations under real conditions before. Alongside the A400M aircraft deployed over Gaza, another A400M shuttled between Belgium and Jordan, transporting essential food supplies. A loadmaster from Luxembourg was also involved in this part of the operation.
Belgian-Luxembourgish mission a "100% success"
Throughout the mission, ensuring the safety of those on the ground was paramount. Careful measures were taken in packing and handling the materials. Over the course of almost two weeks, the pilot completed nine missions, delivering a total of 165 tonnes of aid to the region. The pilot expressed satisfaction, noting that all airdrops were successful, with no reported incidents on the ground post-delivery.
Crisis management is one of the key tasks of the Luxembourgish and Belgian armies.
A multinational mission
The Luxembourgish pilot reflected on the complexities of operating within a multinational coalition during the recent mission over Gaza. He emphasised the diverse range of countries involved, each with its own procedures and limitations, making coordination a significant challenge.
The pilot highlighted the leadership of Jordan in coordinating the international coalition, which included both NATO and non-NATO members. He underscored the diversity of aircraft and operational approaches, requiring meticulous coordination to ensure seamless cooperation.
In early March, there was an incident in which a parachute failure during an airdrop led by another nation resulted in the deaths of five people. An eyewitness told AFP that the parachute did not open, and the aid fell like a missile onto the roof of a house.
*For reasons of discretion, the identities of the pilots involved in the mission were not disclosed.
