Russian MiG-29 ‘burned’ a Turkish electronic jamming complex Koral in Libya
Jul 27, 2020
TRIPOLI, (BM) – According military observers on the Libyan battle fields, the transfer of Turkish Koral electronic jamming systems to Libya has become a reason for ridicule of Turkish weapons, learned BulgarianMilitary.com citing news agency Aviapro.
As it turned out, during the next strike on the positions of the Turkish army and the forces of the Government of National Accord [GNA – ed.], when three Turkish Hawk air defense systems were destroyed, the work of the Koral system was so severely hampered that it simply could not withstand the load and shut down.
Information on this score is very controversial, because if it was initially reported that the strikes on the airbase were inflicted by MiG-29 fighters, later the information was adjusted – there was evidence that the strikes were delivered by Mirage-2000 fighters.
However, against the background of information about the burnt out Turkish electronic warfare system, it is logical to assume that we can talk about the use of at least MiG-29 fighters, possibly in conjunction with Mirage-2000.
It should be noted that Turkey is really trying to defend its military facilities with electronic warfare, as indicated by satellite images, which the Koral complex hit.
It is not known whether the standard electronic warfare systems were used on the MiG-29 fighters, or whether the already popular Talisman complexes of Belarusian production were used.
The presence of French Mirage 2000 fighters indicates that UAE Air Force was involved in the specific attack. This will not be the first time the Kingdom has supported Haftar’s forces.
As we reported in July 4th, at the Libyan air base al-Watiya, located 140 kilometers from Tripoli, were destroyed three Turkish anti-aircraft missile systems MIM-23 Hawk and electronic warfare and radar systems of Ukrainian production.
According to media reports, the Mirage 2000-9 fighter of the United Arab Emirates Air Force.
The representative of the operation
“Volcano of Wrath” of the Libyan GNA Abdulmalik al-Medeni confirmed that French-made fighters are in service with the UAE Air Force. Mirage 2000-9 are equipped with air-to-ground missiles.
Then, a local source pointed out that
“unknown aircraft bombed sites near the al-Watiya military base in the western part of the country with a continued flight over the western mountains.”
“The residents of the city of Al-Rajban and its environs have heard the sound of explosions and flights flying near the al-Watiya military base” the source also noted.
Parallel to this event, Field Marshal of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar went to the capital of the UAE Abu Dhabi.
Libyan civil war
Having ruled the country since 1969, Muammar Gaddafi was ousted and killed in the 2011 civil war. As a result, the country found itself in a situation of dual power: in the east, a parliament is sitting in Tobruk, supported by the Libyan national army, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, and in the west, in Tripoli, a government of national accord.
In Libya, armed clashes are currently taking place between supporters of different leaders. The country is led by the Government of National Accord (GNA), headed by Prime Minister Fayez Saraj, the “eastern government” led by Abdullah Abdurrahaman at-Thani.
The eastern government is supported by the commander of the Libyan National Army, Khalifa Haftar.
Recall that January 13 in Moscow, negotiations were held between the heads of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalif Haftar and the Government of National Accord (GNA) Faiz Sarraj. Also present were members of the Foreign Ministries of Russia and Turkey.
On the meeting the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, has notified Russia about the conditions for continuing negotiations on the signing of a peace agreement in Libya.
According to the requirements of Haftar, the militias operating in Libya are required to surrender weapons in the period from 45 to 90 days. This process should be controlled by a special commission created by the LNA together with the UN.
Haftar also refused to recognize Turkey as an intermediary in resolving the situation in Libya, since the Turkish side is not neutral and supports the Government of National Accord (GNA).
At the same time, the GNA is actively supporting Turkey, and Egypt and Saudi Arabia are on the side of the LNA. Its unofficial allies are France and the UAE.
Ruling the country since 1969, Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown and killed during the 2011 civil war. As a result, the country found itself in a situation of dual power: in the east, a parliament sits in Tobruk, supported by the Libyan national army of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, and in the west in Tripoli, a government of national accord. At the same time, the PNC actively supports Turkey, and Egypt and Saudi Arabia are on the side of the LNA. Its unofficial allies are France and the UAE.