Free Libyan Air Force
Encyclopedia
The Free Libyan Air Force is the air force of the National Transitional Council
, a collection of defected Loyalist Military personnel and captured aircraft that have aligned themselves with the Anti-Gaddafi forces
of the 2011 Libyan civil war
.
at the Mitiga military airport, near Tripoli
defected and joined the revolution. This is the earliest reference to the Anti-Gaddafi forces
having Air Force personnel. Later on 16 March, as many as four MiG-21 fighter jets landed at Benghazi airport and joined the rebel forces; however, one of the MiG-21s crashed near Benina airport on the following day.
The Free Libyan Air Force showed itself for the first time in 15 March, launching an attack with a MiG-23 and a helicopter, sinking two pro-Gaddafi warships off the eastern coast near the front line of land battles at Adjabiya. Beforehand, the same aircraft also bombed an unspecified number of loyalist tanks near Brega and Ajdabiya. The same day, it was reported that Sirte's Gardabya Airport
had its runways bombed by Free Libyan Air Force jets.
On 19 March, a MiG-23UB
was shot down during the Second Battle of Benghazi
. Media reports were initially confused, until a spokesman confirmed that the plane belonged to the rebels. A pro-Gaddafi spokesman said that the rebels had violated the UN no-fly zone
. However, a rebel spokesman claimed the aircraft was shot down by pro-Gaddafi forces. Finally, BBC News
reported on 20 March that the rebel aircraft was shot down by friendly fire
, and the pilot, Colonel
Mohammed Mbarak al-Okaili, was killed after ejecting too late.
On 9 April, a single rebel Mi-25
helicopter was seen flying over Ajdabiya
and was claimed shot down by government forces. That same day, a rebel MiG-23 fighter was intercepted by NATO aircraft and escorted back to its base.
On 27 June 2011, three Free Libyan Air Force MiG-21s, one two seater and two single seaters were photographed over Benina Airport in Benghazi.
Later in the conflict, as supplies were being flown in to areas of Libya besieged by Gaddafi loyalists, Mig 21 fighters jets under opposition control escorted the supply planes to protect them from loyalist attack.
After gaining permission from NATO, an AN-26 and BAE-146 of the Free Libyan Air Force flew from Libya for the 2011 Malta International Air Show on 24 and 25 September, joining the two Mirage F1s already stationed there. Libyan Air Force Brigadier General Mohammed Rajab conducted a ceremony where the Libyan Air Force green roundels on the Mirage F1s were replaced by the FLAF tricolour roundel, followed by the aircraft conducting the first foreign display by the FLAF. It was revealed at the airshow that the BAE-146 had been used for 32 covert flights during the conflict in spite of the no-fly zone, landing on desert roads to supply ammunition and transport injured rebels to hospital. The aircraft had been commanded by Capt Ali Samoussi. The Libyan Ambassador, Saadun Suayeh, was present, and described the replacement of the roundels as a moment of "pride, joy and honour", and expressed his hope that the aircraft would soon return to Libya.
On 23 October, three FLAF helicopters conducted a flypast at the declaration of national liberation in Benghazi
conducted by Mustafa Abdul Jalil
.
National Transitional Council
The National Transitional Council of Libya , sometimes known as the Transitional National Council, the Interim National Council, or the Libyan National Council,...
, a collection of defected Loyalist Military personnel and captured aircraft that have aligned themselves with the Anti-Gaddafi forces
Anti-Gaddafi forces
The anti-Gaddafi forces were Libyan groups that opposed and militarily defeated the government of Muammar Gaddafi, killing him in the process. These opposition forces included organised and armed militia groups, participants in the 2011 Libyan civil war, Libyan diplomats who switched their...
of the 2011 Libyan civil war
2011 Libyan civil war
The 2011 Libyan civil war was an armed conflict in the North African state of Libya, fought between forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and those seeking to oust his government. The war was preceded by protests in Benghazi beginning on 15 February 2011, which led to clashes with security...
.
Operations
On 13 March 2011, Ali Atiyya, a colonel of the Libyan Air ForceLibyan Air Force
The Libyan Air Force is the branch of the Libyan Armed Forces responsible for aerial warfare. In 2010, before the 2011 Libyan civil war, the Libyan Air Force personnel strength was estimated at 18,000, with an inventory of 374 combat capable aircraft operating from 13 military airbases in...
at the Mitiga military airport, near Tripoli
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city in Libya. It is also known as Western Tripoli , to distinguish it from Tripoli, Lebanon. It is affectionately called The Mermaid of the Mediterranean , describing its turquoise waters and its whitewashed buildings. Tripoli is a Greek name that means "Three...
defected and joined the revolution. This is the earliest reference to the Anti-Gaddafi forces
Anti-Gaddafi forces
The anti-Gaddafi forces were Libyan groups that opposed and militarily defeated the government of Muammar Gaddafi, killing him in the process. These opposition forces included organised and armed militia groups, participants in the 2011 Libyan civil war, Libyan diplomats who switched their...
having Air Force personnel. Later on 16 March, as many as four MiG-21 fighter jets landed at Benghazi airport and joined the rebel forces; however, one of the MiG-21s crashed near Benina airport on the following day.
The Free Libyan Air Force showed itself for the first time in 15 March, launching an attack with a MiG-23 and a helicopter, sinking two pro-Gaddafi warships off the eastern coast near the front line of land battles at Adjabiya. Beforehand, the same aircraft also bombed an unspecified number of loyalist tanks near Brega and Ajdabiya. The same day, it was reported that Sirte's Gardabya Airport
Gardabya Airport
Gardabya Airport is an airport in 10 kilometers south of Sirte, Libya .Prior to the 2011 Libyan civil war it was also used by the Libyan Air Force.-Airlines and destinations:...
had its runways bombed by Free Libyan Air Force jets.
On 19 March, a MiG-23UB
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 is a variable-geometry fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau in the Soviet Union. It is considered to belong to the Soviet third generation jet fighter category, along with similarly aged Soviet fighters such as the MiG-25 "Foxbat"...
was shot down during the Second Battle of Benghazi
Second Battle of Benghazi
The Second Battle of Benghazi was a battle in the 2011 Libyan civil war between army units and militiamen loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and anti-Gaddafi forces...
. Media reports were initially confused, until a spokesman confirmed that the plane belonged to the rebels. A pro-Gaddafi spokesman said that the rebels had violated the UN no-fly zone
2011 military intervention in Libya
On 19 March 2011, a multi-state coalition began a military intervention in Libya to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, which was taken in response to events during the 2011 Libyan civil war...
. However, a rebel spokesman claimed the aircraft was shot down by pro-Gaddafi forces. Finally, BBC News
BBC News
BBC News is the department of the British Broadcasting Corporation responsible for the gathering and broadcasting of news and current affairs. The department is the world's largest broadcast news organisation and generates about 120 hours of radio and television output each day, as well as online...
reported on 20 March that the rebel aircraft was shot down by friendly fire
Friendly fire
Friendly fire is inadvertent firing towards one's own or otherwise friendly forces while attempting to engage enemy forces, particularly where this results in injury or death. A death resulting from a negligent discharge is not considered friendly fire...
, and the pilot, Colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
Mohammed Mbarak al-Okaili, was killed after ejecting too late.
On 9 April, a single rebel Mi-25
Mil Mi-24
The Mil Mi-24 is a large helicopter gunship and attack helicopter and low-capacity troop transport with room for 8 passengers. It is produced by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and operated since 1972 by the Soviet Air Force, its successors, and by over thirty other nations.In NATO circles the export...
helicopter was seen flying over Ajdabiya
Ajdabiya
Ajdabiya was one of the districts of Libya. It lay in the northeastern part of the country. Its capital was Ajdabiya. As of 2007 it was subsumed within the enlarged Al Wahat District....
and was claimed shot down by government forces. That same day, a rebel MiG-23 fighter was intercepted by NATO aircraft and escorted back to its base.
On 27 June 2011, three Free Libyan Air Force MiG-21s, one two seater and two single seaters were photographed over Benina Airport in Benghazi.
Later in the conflict, as supplies were being flown in to areas of Libya besieged by Gaddafi loyalists, Mig 21 fighters jets under opposition control escorted the supply planes to protect them from loyalist attack.
After gaining permission from NATO, an AN-26 and BAE-146 of the Free Libyan Air Force flew from Libya for the 2011 Malta International Air Show on 24 and 25 September, joining the two Mirage F1s already stationed there. Libyan Air Force Brigadier General Mohammed Rajab conducted a ceremony where the Libyan Air Force green roundels on the Mirage F1s were replaced by the FLAF tricolour roundel, followed by the aircraft conducting the first foreign display by the FLAF. It was revealed at the airshow that the BAE-146 had been used for 32 covert flights during the conflict in spite of the no-fly zone, landing on desert roads to supply ammunition and transport injured rebels to hospital. The aircraft had been commanded by Capt Ali Samoussi. The Libyan Ambassador, Saadun Suayeh, was present, and described the replacement of the roundels as a moment of "pride, joy and honour", and expressed his hope that the aircraft would soon return to Libya.
On 23 October, three FLAF helicopters conducted a flypast at the declaration of national liberation in Benghazi
Benghazi
Benghazi is the second largest city in Libya, the main city of the Cyrenaica region , and the former provisional capital of the National Transitional Council. The wider metropolitan area is also a district of Libya...
conducted by Mustafa Abdul Jalil
Mustafa Abdul Jalil
Mustafa Abdul Jalil or Abdul-Jalil is the Chairman of the National Transitional Council of Libya, and as such serves as head of state in Libya's caretaker government which was formed as a result of the 2011 Libyan civil war. He is also a spokesman for the city of Bayda...
.
Aircraft
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | Version | In service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fighter Aircraft Fighter aircraft A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets... |
|||||
| Dassault Mirage F1 Dassault Mirage F1 The Dassault Mirage F1 is a French air-superiority fighter and attack aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation as a successor of the Mirage III family. The Mirage F1 entered service in the French Air Force in the early seventies... |
fighter aircraft Fighter aircraft A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets... |
F1ED | 2 | Remain in Maltese custody due to UN Sanctions. 502 painted in revolution colours during the Malta International Air Show 25 September 2011. | |
| Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It was popularly nicknamed "balalaika", from the aircraft's planform-view resemblance to the Russian stringed musical instrument or ołówek by Polish pilots due to... |
fighter aircraft Fighter aircraft A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets... |
MiG‑21bis MiG‑21UM |
2+ 1+ |
Several captured in Benina and Tobruk airbases. Up to four MiG-21bis/UM defected at Benina airbase Benina International Airport Benina International Airport serves Benghazi, Libya. It is located in the town of Benina, 19 km east of Benghazi, from which it takes its name. The airport is operated by the Civil Aviation and Meteorology Bureau of Libya and is the second largest in the country after Tripoli International... . One MiG-21UM crashed after take-off from Benina airport due to technical malfunction on 17 March 2011. |
|
| Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 is a variable-geometry fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau in the Soviet Union. It is considered to belong to the Soviet third generation jet fighter category, along with similarly aged Soviet fighters such as the MiG-25 "Foxbat"... |
fighter aircraft Fighter aircraft A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets... |
MiG‑23ML MiG‑23UB |
1+ 1+ |
Four captured by rebels at Tobruk Tobruk Tobruk or Tubruq is a city, seaport, and peninsula on Libya's eastern Mediterranean coast, near the border with Egypt. It is the capital of the Butnan District and has a population of 120,000 .... air base. Four captured by rebels in hangar at Misrata. One captured by rebels at Al-Abrak. One MiG-23BN claimed to be lost over Tripoli in 13 March 2011. One MiG-23 was shot down over Benghazi in 19 March 2011. |
|
| Soko J-21 Jastreb Soko J-21 Jastreb |-See also:... |
ground-attack aircraft | J-1E | 2+ | Two defected to Benghazi Benghazi Benghazi is the second largest city in Libya, the main city of the Cyrenaica region , and the former provisional capital of the National Transitional Council. The wider metropolitan area is also a district of Libya... on 24 February. |
|
| Trainer Aircraft | |||||
| Aero L-39 Albatros | light attack/trainer | Aero L-39ZO | 2 | Two seized during the battle of Tripoli. | |
| Soko G-2 Galeb | fighter trainer | G-2A-E | 5+ | Several captured in Misrata airbase; currently status is unknown. | |
| Aermacchi SF.260 | basic trainer | SF.260WL/ML | 1+ | Several captured in Misrata airbase. | |
| Transport Aircraft Military transport aircraft Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in... |
|||||
| British Aerospace 146 | regional airliner | BAe 146-300 | 1 | Used for medical evacuation and delivering medical supplies, as well as supplying ammunition to remote rebel units. | |
| Ilyushin Il-76 Ilyushin Il-76 The Ilyushin Il-76 is a multi-purpose four-engined strategic airlifter designed by Ilyushin design bureau. It was first planned as a commercial freighter in 1967. Intended as a replacement for the Antonov An-12, the Il-76 was designed for delivering heavy machinery to remote, poorly-serviced areas... |
strategic airlifter | Il-76TD | 2 | Seized by the United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates, abbreviated as the UAE, or shortened to "the Emirates", is a state situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman, and Saudi Arabia, and sharing sea borders with Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iran.The UAE is a... in Dubai Dubai Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates . The emirate is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi... , transferred to the Free Libyan Air Force in 11 August, additional one seized during the battle of Tripoli. |
|
| Antonov An-26 Antonov An-26 The Antonov An-26 is a twin-engined turboprop military transport aircraft, designed and produced in the USSR from 12 March 1968.-Development:... |
medium transport | 3 | One captured by protesters in Kufra on 17 February, two seized during the battle of Tripoli. | ||
| Helicopters | |||||
| Boeing CH-47 Chinook CH-47 Chinook The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its top speed of 170 knots is faster than contemporary utility and attack helicopters of the 1960s... |
heavy transport helicopter | CH-47C | 1 | One seized during the battle of Tripoli. | |
| Mil Mi-2 Mil Mi-2 The Mil Mi-2 is a small, lightly armored transport helicopter that could also provide close air support when armed with 57 mm rockets and a 23 mm cannon.-Design and development:... |
transport helicopter | Mi-2 | 1+ | Several captured in Misrata airbase; currently status is unknown. | |
| Mil Mi-8 Mil Mi-8 The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries. Russia is the largest operator of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter.... |
transport helicopter | Mi-8MT | 1 | Captured in abandoned condition at Ra's Lanuf airfield on 4 March. | |
| Mil Mi-14 Mil Mi-14 |-See also:-External links:******... |
ASW helicopter | Mi-14 | 3+ | At least three captured in Benina airbase. | |
| Mil Mi-17 Mil Mi-17 The Mil Mi-17 is a Russian helicopter currently in production at two factories in Kazan and Ulan-Ude... |
transport helicopter | Mi-17 | 2+ | At least one captured in Benghazi Benghazi Benghazi is the second largest city in Libya, the main city of the Cyrenaica region , and the former provisional capital of the National Transitional Council. The wider metropolitan area is also a district of Libya... . One was seen during the Battle of Sirte, another during the Battle of Misrata. |
|
| Mil Mi-24 Mil Mi-24 The Mil Mi-24 is a large helicopter gunship and attack helicopter and low-capacity troop transport with room for 8 passengers. It is produced by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and operated since 1972 by the Soviet Air Force, its successors, and by over thirty other nations.In NATO circles the export... |
attack helicopter | Mi-25 | 1+ | At least two captured in Benina airbase; One shot down by loyalist forces. | |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Unmanned aerial vehicle An unmanned aerial vehicle , also known as a unmanned aircraft system , remotely piloted aircraft or unmanned aircraft, is a machine which functions either by the remote control of a navigator or pilot or autonomously, that is, as a self-directing entity... |
|||||
| Aeryon Scout | micro UAV | Aeryon Scout | 1 | Aeryon Labs Inc provided one Aeryon Scout to the Libyan rebels, including training provided by Zariba Security Corporation. | |