Canadian fighter pilots will be helping to enforce a no-fly zone above Libya "within 48 hours," Defence Minister Peter MacKay said on Sunday.
MacKay says six Canadian CF-18 fighter jets are currently stationed in Italy, the primary staging point for coalition forces participating in the offensive against Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.
The jets will be part of an international effort to back a United Nations Security Council resolution that seeks to minimize attacks against civilians by forces loyal to Gadhafi.
"They will be taking part in sorties to ensure that there is restricted airspace over Libya," MacKay told CTV's Question Period.
"The purpose here is clearly to disable the air fields and the use of Libyan air assets that could be brought to bear and used against civilians. We want to disable their air force and ensure the civilians get maximum protection."
Canada will join the United States, France and Britain in maintaining the no-fly zone. According to U.S. officials, Spain, Belgium, Denmark and Qatar will also contribute to the military operation.
MacKay added that the mission had the endorsement of the Arab League, and four Arab nations will participate in the no-fly zone. To date, however, only Qatar has announced its intention to take part.
The offensive began overnight Saturday with strikes by French fighter jets and attacks on military targets with missiles from U.S. and British war ships. By Sunday, the coalition said the no-fly zone was in place.
When asked whether Canadian pilots could be ordered to strike ground troops that are preparing to attack civilians, MacKay said the UN's resolution allows for "all measures necessary" to keep civilians safe.
"Gadhafi has clearly demonstrated wanton disregard for the well being of his own citizens. There have been terrible casualties already," he said.
MacKay and Prime Minister Stephen Harper have previously said that the air mission is not without dangers and there is no guarantee Canadian troops will escape unharmed.
There are currently 140 Canadian military personnel, including pilots and air crew, in the region. HMCS Charlottetown, which left Halifax on March 2, is stationed in the Mediterranean Sea.
The defence minister said the ship "has the capability" of participating in a naval blockade, although no orders have yet been given.
