Oleksandr Yan
Heavy Weapons, Armored Vehicles
and Air Defense Systems
A significant number of Russian heavy weapons have appeared for the first time in the arsenal of the Libyan National Army (LNA), which controls a portion of the country divided by years of civil war.
The new military hardware was showcased during a parade in Benghazi led by Field Marshal General Khalifa Haftar, marking the anniversary of Operation Dignity. The event featured a range of modern Russian equipment not previously observed in use by Haftar’s forces.
Among the most notable items were 300 mm BM-30 Smerch multiple launch rocket systems and Tor short-range air defense systems, both seen for the first time in Libya.
A large number of new Russian armored vehicles also took part in the parade, including modernized BMP-2M Berezhok infantry fighting vehicles and BTR-82A armored personnel carriers. Around 100 Spartak armored vehicles were also on display.
In addition to the new systems, the parade included equipment already in LNA service, such as T-72M and T-55 tanks fitted with large anti-drone cages, and Pantsir-S1E air defense systems previously spotted in the region.
It remains unclear over what period this volume of Russian hardware was delivered or under what conditions. However, previous reporting by Militarnyi indicated that since December 2024, Russian Il-76 military transport aircraft have been flying regularly along an “air bridge” between the two countries.
Two Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations aircraft, carrying unspecified cargo, have made frequent alternating flights through Turkish airspace and landed at Al Khadim Air Base, located east of Benghazi.
Those flights may also have been related to activities by the Wagner Group rather than weapons deliveries. According to AllEyesOnWagner, the Al Khadim base serves as a key Russian transit hub for moving equipment and exporting gold from mines controlled by mercenaries in the Central African Republic.
Khalifa Haftar also receives substantial backing from the United Arab Emirates. It was through Emirati channels that the LNA received Russian Pantsir-S1E systems configured for export on MAN chassis.
For the LNA, military expansion represents a consolidation of power in the country fractured by conflict. Haftar’s forces remain opposed to the UN-recognized Government of National Unity (GNU), based in Tripoli. The two rival administrations control large parts of Libya and do not recognize each other’s authority, maintaining an uneasy ceasefire.
Russia continues to support Haftar through arms transfers and the deployment of private military contractors, while Turkey backs the GNU with troops and bases established in western Libya.
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