Sweden will send eight Gripen Aircraft to take part in the NATO-led operation in Libya, said Swedish Prime Minister Frederik Reinfeldt in the parliament on Tuesday.

"Swedish airplane will only be used to maintain no-fly zone over Libya and not participate in fighting on the ground," said Reinfeldt.

In addition, a Hercules plane and a searching airplane will also be sent to Libya together with 125 persons who will stay there in a three-month term, according to the government proposal, which won support from the opposition.

The eight Gripen Aircraft from the Nordic Battle Groups have had experiences in international operation.

The Swedish government has announced that Reinfeldt will meet visiting NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen in Stockholm on Thursday.