Click to see full-size image. Via X
The Libyan National Army (LNA) showcased several Russian-made heavy weapon systems for the first time during a large parade that was held in its stronghold, the city of Benghazi, on May 26.
The parade was organized to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the launch of Operation Dignity to combat terrorism. It was attended by LNA Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and other senior Libyan officials, in addition to Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov.
In a speech delivered during the parade, Haftar affirmed that the LNA will continue its efforts to restore the Libyan state, its unity, and its prestige.
“We are proud of the victory achieved over terrorism thanks to the heroism of the armed forces and the blood of the martyrs and wounded,” he said, emphasizing that “national duty requires the army to remain on high alert to deter all threats, whether internal or external.”
The leader also pointed out that the LNA “is capable of overcoming all challenges and dangers and will have the decisive say at the appropriate moment.”
“The parade and organization we witnessed today is evidence of the stability of security throughout Libya and paves the way for the return of normal life to all cities and villages,” he added.
During the parade, the LNA presented several heavy weapons systems for the first time, all of which were of Russian origins.
Dozens of VPK-Ural and Tigr-M light armored vehicles were showcased by the military, in addition to a number of BMP-2M infantry fighting vehicles armed with Kornet anti-tank guided missiles and BTR-82A amphibious armored personnel carriers upgraded with slat armor.
Click to see full-size image. Via X
Click to see full-size image. Via X
Click to see full-size image. Via X
Click to see full-size image. Via X
The military also paraded Tor-M1E short-range air defense systems, which were apparently acquired in secret. The system has a range of 12 kilometers.
Click to see full-size image. Via X
Another system that made a surprise appearance at the parade was the BM-30 heavy multiple rocket launcher. The system can fire precision-guided munitions with a range of 12 kilometers.
Click to see full-size image. Via X
In addition, the LNA showed for the first time a Mi-26 military heavy-lift helicopter, which can lift a maximum payload of 20,000 kg.
Click to see full-size image. Via X
While Russia remains one of the key partners of the LNA, it is unclear if all of these new systems were supplied directly from Russia. The military received Russian-made systems from other allies like Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Syria – before the fall of the Assad regime -. For example, the Egyptian military is a known operator of the Tor-M1E system and the Emirati military operates the BM-30.
Libya plunged into chaos following a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country is now split between the Government of National Unity (GNU) in the capital, Tripoli, in the west, which is supported by an array of militia groups, and a rival government based in Benghazi in the east, backed by the House of Representatives and the LNA.
The GNU faced several challenges recently, including deadly internal clashes and a wave of protests in Tripoli. Many saw these events as a chance for the LNA. The military was for sure sending a message with its latest parade. It showed a unified, organized and well-armed force in the east in contrast to a cluster of militias in the west.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence
NOW hosted at southfront.press
Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org.
The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation
Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com
