Libyan observers have revealed that the Libyan National Army (LNA) shot down at least 24 Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) over the last six months.
The observers released on April 12 an infographic detailing the date and location in which each of the UCAVs was shot down. At least 12 of the drones were shot down near the Libyan capital, Tripoli.
#Turkish / #GNA #Bayraktar Tactical #TB2 UAVs downed by the Libyan army #LNA over Libyan airspace.
Note
( not counting targeted on the ground or other types of UAV )#Libya #HoR.
Total : 24 pic.twitter.com/KSqlEB9BWI— M.LNA (@LNA2019M) April 12, 2020
The Bayraktar TB2, introduced by Turkey’s Bayraktar in 2014, has an endurance of 24 hours and an operational range of 150 km.
Click to see full-size image.
In the most recent incident, a Bayraktar TB2 was downed near the town of Tarhuna on April 11. The UCAV was armed with four MAM-L small-diameter laser-guided munitions, made by Turkish defense giant ROKETSAN.
The LNA’s air defense force is known to be operating several types of man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADs) as well as at least one SA-6 Gainful medium-range air-defense system.
However, observers believe that the Turkish UCAVs are being shot down by the UAE, the main backer of the LNA. In the last few months, the UAE military deployed several Russian-made Pantsir-S1 and U.S.-made MIM-23 Hawk air-defense systems in Libya. Both systems can easily counter Turkish drones.
These heavy losses are not apparently deterring Turkey, which is increasing its involvement in the Libyan war. Recently, Ankara deployed hundreds of its Syrian proxies in the war-torn country to support the Government of National Accord (GNA).
Turkish forces are at best providing cover for an orderly GNA/US/nato retreat. The GNA are a spent force. Like a wound which won’t heal, it will always need attention.
The LNA and the people of Libya have the smell of victory and freedom in their nostrils. No amount of turkish drones and/or terrorists transferred from Syria will change the result. The Libyan people have the chance to change the course of history for the whole region. They should seize it, no more ceasefires.
I would rather say 17 drones were shot down in the last 2 months.
I would rather say 17 drones were shot down in the last 2 months. UAE Pantsir-S is doing a good job in Libya. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f1d221e5fcdfcf4060eed7a7f2c1d9a3503fdad01a2fb8c19053ec2c79c0f06f.png
Hawk system are not deployed in Tripoli…only UAE Pantsir.
17 drones in 2month is also correct. Pantsir-S1 works fine in libya.