Libyan Arab Air Force (LAAF) History (1971-2011)

A MiG-23MLD and a MiG-23UB flying in formation over Mitiga airbase. Libya organized three LAVEX exhibitions in 2006, 2007 and 2009. Many spotters got a chance to spot very exotic Libyan aircraft.

Chris Lofting (Mitiga Oct 2007)

The Libyan Arab Air Force operated the Mirage F1 in two squadrons from Okba bin Nafi Airbase. Seen here is a low pass of a dual Mirage F1BD.

Arnold ten Pas (Mitiga, Nov 2009)

The Libyan Arab Air Force operated some 80 MiG-25s in different versions: MiG-25M/P/PD/PDS, MiG-25RB, MiG-25PU in five squadrons (1005, 1015, 1025, 1035 and 1055 Sqn) from three airbases (Al Jufra-Hun, Ghurdabiya and Mitiga).

Chris Lofting (Mitiga Nov 2007)

Two squadrons (1111 and 1122 Sqn) operated the Tu-22B bomber from Al Jufra-Hun airbase. These bombers were put into action during the Libya-Chad War (1978-1986).

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For anti-submaraine missions, the LAAF operated the Mi-14PL in 1314 squadron based at two bases, Mitiga (Umm Aitiqa) and Benina airbase.

Chris Lofting (Mitiga Dec 2006)

The LAAF used for medium transport missions 1222 Squadron flying with G222L, based at Benina and Al Jufra-Hun airbases.

Joseph Tonna (Luqa/Malta, Jan 1985)

For transport training and, navigation purposes the LAAF operated the L-410UVP in 1210 Squadron at Bani Walid airbase.

Steve Kinder (Mitiga, Oct 2009)

The LAAF stationed during the 70s and 80s a permanent SAR detachment at Malta flying with SA316B Alouette III helicopters.

John Vinavich (Luqa/Malta, Apr 1976)

The LAAF took delivery of three batches with a total 180 L-39ZO Albatros trainers during 1977 till 1981. Two Aviation Schools were established at Ghuradabiya and Brach/Brak airbases.

Chris Lofting (Mitiga Dec 2006)

The French delivered the SA321M to Libya for SAR missions. The Super Frelons were stationed at Mitiga (Umm Aititqa) and Luqa (Malta) airports.

John Vinavich (Luqa/Malta, Apr 1975)

For strategic reconnaissance missions, the LAAF operated the MiG-25RB Foxbat in 1035 Squadron. Seen here is a MiG-25RB on a static during LAVEX 2007 at Mitiga airbase.

Chris Lofting (Mitiga Oct 2007)

The LAAF flew also one, but possibly more, Mi-8T Hip helicopters as Air Ambulance. This Mi-8T was seen during LAVEX 2009 at Mitiga airbase.

Arnold ten Pas (Mitiga, Nov 2009)

For ground attack mission the LAAF operated two squadrons (1022 and 1032 Sqn) from two bases: Ghadames and Okba Ibn Nafi.

Chris Lofting (Mitiga Oct 2009)

The Soviet Union provided the LAAF in 1975 with the Mi-8T helicopter. It is believed that the LAAF operated three squadrons (1308, 1318 and 1328 Sqn) from several bases.

Chris Lofting (Mitiga Nov 2007)

Instructors of the Air Force Academy formed demonstration AFAST (Al Fatah Air Show Team) flying SF260WLs from Sebha airbase.

Arnold ten Pas (Mitiga, Nov 2009)

For army support the LAAF took the delivery of 20 CH-47C from Italy in 1975. The Chinook helicopters were based at Mitiga/Umm Aitiqa in 1347 Squadron.

Arnold ten Pas (Mitiga, Nov 2009)

The LAAF operated some Mi-14PZh for bush fire missions from Mitiga airbase.

Arnold ten Pas (Mitiga, Nov 2009)

Another aircraft for bush fire missions was an An-32P. Seen here is an An-32P at Mitiga airbase.

Arnold ten Pas (Mitiga, Nov 2009)

Libya had a strong connection with Yugoslavia and acquiered 115 G-2A Galeb trainers in 1975. All Galebs were based at Misurata airbase.

Chris Lofting (Mitiga Dec 2006)

The MiG-23MLD replaced the MiG-23MS in several units. The MiG-23MS fighter were donated to Sudan and Syrian airforces. Seen here is a MiG-23MLD taxiing at Mitiga airbase.

Chris Lofting (Mitiga Dec 2006)

Libya had two squadrons equipped with Mirage F1AD/ED flying from AL Watiya/Okba Ibn Nafi airbase. Seen here is a Mirage F1BD trainer taxiing at Mitiga airbase.

Chris Lofting (Mitiga Oct 2007)

The LAAF operated the Su-22M-3 in the ground attack role in two squadrons from Okba Bin Nafi and Ghadames airbases. Seen here is a Su-22M-3 taxiing at Mitiga airbase.

Chris Lofting (Mitiga Oct 2009)

For basic training the LAAF acquired 240 SF260WL trainers. Two Aviation Schools were established (Ghat and Sebha/Al Zawiya) flying the SF260WL.

Arnold ten Pas (Mitiga, Nov 2009)

The L-410UVP was also used for in the transport role on behalf of the Libyan Army. Seen here is a L-410UVP from 1211 Squadron, based at Mitiga airbas.

Chris Lofting (Mitiga Dec 2006)

For deep penetration missions the LAAF operated the Su-24MK in 1124 Squadron from Ghurdabiya airbase.

Chris Lofting (Mitiga Oct 2007)

The Mi-35 gunship from 1335 Squadron was based at Ghurdabiya air base.

Arnold ten Pas (Mitiga, Nov 2009)

The LAAF once operated some 94 MiG-21Bis and 25 MiG-21UM from Gamal el Nasser airbase, but many MiG-21s were donated to Syria. In 2007 1021 Squadron was equipped with MiG-21s. Seen here is a MiG-21UM taxxing at Mitiga airbase.

Chris Lofting (Mitiga Oct 2007)

The LAAF operated in the anti tank role several Mi-24, Mi-25 and Mi-35 Hind helicopters. Seen here is a Mi-35 at Mitiga airbase.

Chris Lofting (Mitiga Dec 2006)

For longrange and heavy transport missions, the LAAF operated the Il-76T Candid in 1276 Squadron from Tripoli International airport. Most of the aircraft flew under names like Libyan Air Cargo or Jamhariya Air Transport.

Arnold ten Pas (Mitiga, Nov 2009)

The LAAF operated 20 An-26s in 1226 Squadron in the medium transport role from Mitiga airbase.

Chris Lofting (Mitiga Oct 2009)

From the United States Libya acquired C-130E and L-100-30 transport aircraft. Seen here is C-130E Hercules from 1230 Squadron, based at Mitiga airbase.

Ron Frijlink (Mitiga, Oct 2009)

For medium transport the LAAF operated a number of An-72s and An-74s in 1274 Squadron from Mitiga airbase. Seen here is an An-72 during LAVEX 2009 exhibition.

Chris Lofting (Mitiga Oct 2007)