Quoting the Libyan Air Force Chief of Staff Saqr Geroushi a recent article by the Libyan Herald reported that proposals have been drawn up to re-equip Tripoli’s dilapidated fleet with a special consideration given to those countries that assisted Libya during the last year’s air war: France, UK, and the U.S.
Putting a few more details into his comments, Geroushi said that the Libyan Arab Air Force is looking to purchase two squadrons of French Rafale, along with a number of French Mirage F-1 aircraft (to bolster those they already have). The Libyans also plan to buy Eurofighter Typhoons from the UK as well as some more C-130 cargo planes and Ch-47 Chinook helicopters from the United States.
Image credit: Dassault Aviation
Therefore, although they have been challenging each other in the most important bids all around the world (and they could be considered a bit redundant as well) the Typhoon and Rafale multi-role fighters could soon operate under the same flag.
The new aircraft will probably replace most of the remaining 28 aircraft (some of those are old Mig fighters) and 9 helicopters most of which have seen better days.
Geroushi said that the plan is to base the Typhoons at Tobruk and Benina airbase in Benghazi, with the Rafale and Mirage jets flying from Gordabaya and Wattya military air bases. Furthermore, all contracts that were signed under the previous regime will be reviewed and some would more than likely be cancelled.
The Libyan Air Force is currently flying regular sorties mostly border security type missions.
Richard Clements for TheAviationist.com
Image credit: Eurofighter / K. Tokunaga
Of course Geroushi’s statement doesn’t make sense at all. How could an impoverished country on the verge of a(nother) civil war possibly afford an air force based on 3 different airplanes? As I see it, the Rafale and the Typhoon will compete in a winner-takes-all bid. By the way, it is not unrealistic to foresee some Spartans in the Libyan skies…
Libya had 20 G.222 aircraft. At $55M per Spartan aircraft, Libya would do best to refurbish their G.222 aircraft and save some money! Ron Fox. Someone who knows the full Libya G.222 story.
I myself have treated this information yesterday as a big rumor.
Do you think this is a serious information?
http://portail-aviation.blogspot.fr/2012/07/2-escadrons-de-rafale-pour-la-libye-la.html
what is your source for eurofigther sales ?
Yes, perhaps they should concentrate on sanitation, running water and basic law and order before branching out to a modern air force. At which point they can buy some Gripens for point defence. Or even refurbished old F16s. It’s all they need.
Surely a nation that cannot secure its own international airport plannin to operate 2 highly modern fighter types is absure. Their airforce should focus on Basic continuity of government rather than planning fantasy fleets
ha haha haaa ha haaa…