On September 7, several Libyan activists published photos of what they claimed to be a new air-defense system of the Libyan National Army (LNA).
The activists claimed that the new system was deployed near the town of Tarhunah, located 65 km southeast of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, in order to protect army units deployed there.
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The alleged air-defense system was built on a Tatra T813 8×8 truck from a Czechoslovakian RM-70 multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS). The missiles were identified as Soviet 9M33, usually used in the SA-8 Gecko.
Several experts doubted that the system is functional as it lacked any optical system, search or tracking radars. The system didn’t also appear to be equipped with any data-link antennas, a requirement for the 9M33, that’s steered by Radio-Frequency Control Command Guidance (RF CLOS).
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- Click to see full-size image
The former Libyan military used to operate around 70 MR-70 MRLS and at least 50 SA-80 systems, which explains how the LNA obtained parts of the two weapons.
While activists claim that the “system” is functional, it could be just a decoy made by the LNA to lure warplanes of the Government of National Accord (GNA). Over the last few days, the GNA air force intensified its operations around Tripoli.