Libyan Air Force

The Libyan Air Force (Arabic: القوات الجوية الليبية‎) is the branch of the Libyan military responsible for aerial warfare. The Libyan Air Force personnel strength is 18,000, with an inventory of ? combat capable aircraft operating from 13 military airbases in Libya.

The air force was first established as the Royal Libyan Air Force (Arabic: Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Malakiya al Libiyya) in 1951. It was originally equipped with a small number of transports and trainers. However, the first fighters were delivered in 1967. In 1970 it changed its name to the Libyan Air Force. From 1970 a significant expansion of the air force took place, with a large number of Soviet and some French combat aircraft being purchased.

Aircraft Inventory[edit | edit source]

Combat Aircraft[edit | edit source]

Dassault Rafale C/B x 18 (Multirole Fighter)
Mikoyan MiG-29SMT x 20 (Multirole Fighter)
Soko G-21 Jastreb x 13 (Light Attack Aircraft)
Sukhoi Su-22 x 40 (Strike Aircraft)
Sukhoi Su-24 x 4 (Strike Aircraft)
Sukhoi Su-35S x 12 (Air Superiority Fighter)

ELINT Aircraft[edit | edit source]

ATR-42MP Surveyor x 4 (Maritime Patrol Aircraft)

Transport Aircraft[edit | edit source]

Antonov An-26 x 10
Antonov An-124 x 2
Dassault Falcon 20 x 3
Dassault Falcon 50 x 1
Grumman Gulfstream II x 1
Ilyushin Il-76 x 17
Ilyushin Il-78 x 4
Let L-410 x 15
Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules x 10 (Tactical Transport)

Helicopters[edit | edit source]

Training Aircraft[edit | edit source]