Leopold 1: Belgium assigns helo frigate to Libya

Belgium will contribute a frigate to the operation to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya. BNS Leopold I, Belgian Navy , is the first M-frigate to be adapted for on- board operations with the NH90. The frigate was therefore equipped with a helicopter transport system that allows helicopters to be safely transported from the landing area on the rear deck to the hangar. The system is manufactured by Bosch-Rexroth, a Dutch company.. Belgian Navy's BNS Leopold I, was the command platform of a UN task force supporting the Lebanese Navy in monitoring commercial shipping approaching Lebanese territorial waters. The Belgian Navy took command of the force on March 1. It was the first time that the Belgian Navy headed a UN led peacekeeping operation.