Forces loyal to the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) announced on June 2 that they had shot down a unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) of the UAE Air Force (UAEAF) over the country’s capital, Tripoli.
Contrary to these claims, a video of the wreckage released by pro-GNA sources shows the remains of a Yabhon HMD aerial target.
The Yabhon HMD high performance, high maneuverability and high altitude jet engine target is indeed manufactured by a UAE-based company, Adcom Systems. However, it has no attack, or even surveillance capabilities.
Click to see original-size image. Source: Wikipedia
According to the available information, this type of aerial targets was developed to simulate enemy’s warplanes in air force and air defense live fire drills.
The target was marked with its model name and the title: “made in the UAE”. Several UAE flags, one of them misplaced, can also be seen on it. Such signs are usually painted on models displayed during expos.
Click to see full-size image
GNA forces’ false claims and the signs painted on the aerial target raises serious questions about this incident, which was widely used to criticize the UAE’s supposed military involvement in the Libyan war.
Saladin taking Jerusalam :)
Jerusalam :)