Estimation of Libyan war costs destined to boost
The expense of establishing a no-fly zone over Libya was initially estimated at someplace between $500 million and $1 billion in a report issued by the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, an independent policy research institute. The report said the initial expense of the missiles and bombs required to neutralize Gadhafi’s air defense websites could run from $400 million to $800 million. Fuel expense is the majority of the costs in enforcing the no-fly zone after that. Between $30 million and $100 million a week would be needed. Since those first estimates, the coalition has extended the mission from a no-fly zone to targeting ground forces along Libya’s coastline as Gadhafi continues to take the fight to the rebels.
Viewing the expense of the Libya war depending on figures
In just missiles, Operation Odyssey Dawn passed $100 million on the first day. Tomahawk missiles expense between $1 million and $1.5 million each. There were about 162 of them that had been launched by the fourth day by the U.N. There are 45 Joint Direct Attack Munitions, 2,000 pound bombs costing $40,000 each, are being flown in by three B-2 stealth bombers flying on 25-hour round trip flights out of Missouri costing about $10,000 an hour. The B-2 stealth bombers require air tanker support on the flight and the pilots collect combat pay. About $10,000 an hour is needed for a full contingent of U.S. fighter jets to be flown. Also, about $75 million was needed to replace the jet that crashed on its way. You will find two amphibious assault ships, three submarines and 2 destroyers as part of the 11 United States Navy vessels there also. They're there to support the mission by floating off the coast of Libya.
Emergency military action budget may not be enough
The Pentagon hasn’t issued official cost estimate for Libyan intervention. The Operation Odyssey Dawn mission might be one that the U.S. spends no time in, or a lot. Until we know this, expense estimates are impossible. The emergency military defense spending budget will be okay as long as the United States military is only involved for a week in the operation, says analysts. Critics on Capitol Hill, citing the mission creep of past conflicts, warn that at a time when the Pentagon is being forced to trim its budget, the Defense Department might be forced to request more money from Congress to pay for Libyan intervention.
Articles cited
Associated Press
washingtonpost.com/us-military-operation-in-libya-costs-hundreds-of-millions-and-price-tag-could-rise/2011/03/23/ABkfHzGB_story.html
National Journal
nationaljournal.com/nationalsecurity/costs-of-libya-operation-already-piling-up-20110321
New York Daily News
nydailynews.com/news/world/2011/03/23/2011-03-23_nofly_zone_assault_on_libyas_moammar_khadafy_could_cost_coalition_forces_us_1_bi.html
Wall Street Journal
online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110323-712729.html
Source for this article - U.S. cost of Libya war may exceed $1 billion as mission creeps by Newsytype.com.
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