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Drone war in Libya: Wing Loong II versus Bayraktar TB2

Military Africa by Military Africa
September 26, 2019 - Updated on December 23, 2021
in UAS and C-UAS
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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The ongoing civil war in Libya has entered a new phase, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) are increasingly being used by both sides.

On September 24, a Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial combat vehicle operating from the Mitiga International Airport, under the control of the United Nations recognized Government of National Accord (GNA); came under attack by UAE-LNA operated Wing Loong II UCAV.

Video shows one of the Blue Arrow 7 (BA-7) air-to-surface missiles launched by the #UAE Air Force's Wing Loong-II UCAV at the alleged #Turkish Bayraktar TB2 armed drone at #Mitiga airport, #Tripoli an hour ago. pic.twitter.com/IzqhVEDo6y

— Babak Taghvaee – Μπάπακ Τακβαίε – بابک تقوایی (@BabakTaghvaee) September 25, 2019

The attack to destroy the Bayraktar TB2 UAV was carried out using a Blue Arrow 7 (BA-7) guided missile.

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Turkish Bayraktar Tactical Block 2 (TB2) Drone in Libya

This recent attack is as a result of numerous successful reconnaissance and ground attack operations by the Turkish Bayraktar TB2.

Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial combat vehicle operating at the Mitiga International Airport

The Bayraktar TB2 UAV has repeatedly struck Libya’s strongman Haftar Khalifa’s Al-Jufra airbase, which is his main operational base. A particular attack, destroyed two Russian-made Ilyushin 76 military aircraft on the ground.

The GNA received 12 Bayraktar TB2s in two batches between May and July, at least half of them have been destroyed during UAE airstrikes using Wing Loong IIs, the second batch delivered in July was to replace the losses of the first.

A third batch was delivered at the end of August following new losses over the summer.

Although, Tripoli’s government is at a disadvantage compared to its adversary because the range of the Bayraktar TB2 is only 150 km without ground relay antennas contrary to Wing Loong II which use satellites”.

So far, the GNA is not only denying the UAE-backed LNA air supremacy in Libya but is also proving very capable of striking them. However, more capability, Turkey may try to send bigger TAI Anka-S armed MALE SİHA (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) drones.

The Anka-S, like the Wing Loong II, resembles the American MQ1A Predator drone although is slightly heavier.

Drones in Libya

In August 2019, another Wing Loong II was shot down by the GNA. This follows a string of other drone shoot downs in the embattled North African nation.

For instance, within that period, two Aeronautics Orbiter-3 Small Tactical UAS was shot down by LNA forces. While in April, a Russian made Orlan-10 UAV shot down in Libya.

Even Iranian-made drones like the Ghod Mohajer are also being used.

Over the years, Libya has witnessed a sharp rise in drone proliferation, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles was always a preserve of the Western countries.

Israel pioneered the use of attack drones in the late 2001, the United States followed suit thereafter, since then attack drones have become the weapon of choice for Counter Insurgency operations especially in Africa.

Drone warfare in Africa

Drones, which are becoming cheaper and more versatile, are likely to play an expanding role in future African conflicts as well as terrorist attacks.

To date, drones have become commonplace in modern warfare, with more than a dozen countries employing. Proliferation of armed drones throughout the world is a growing concern.

Such that, given the proliferation of drone technology among terrorist organizations, the long-term implications for civilian populations are sobering.

For example, Boko Haram has recorded several of its recent drone operations from the point of view of the drones themselves. 

Therefore, drone attack on a major population center, either in the Middle East or in Africa, seems inevitable unless the threat is given due attention and effective countermeasures are implemented.

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Tags: LibyaUAV

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Welcome to another exciting episode of "Cutting-Edge Tech" in Military Africa. Today, we're diving into the world of military innovation as we unveil the next frontier: the United States' Hypersonic Missile program.

In the ever-evolving landscape of military technology, the pursuit of superiority and strategic advantage has led nations to explore the frontiers of innovation. Among the latest breakthroughs capturing global attention is the development of hypersonic missiles, with the United States at the forefront of this cutting-edge technology.

The United States has unveiled its first hypersonic missile, the Hypersonic Conventional Strike Weapon (HCSW). The HCSW is capable of traveling at speeds of Mach 5 or more, making it difficult to intercept.

Hypersonic missiles represent a paradigm shift in military capabilities, combining unparalleled speed and precision to redefine the dynamics of warfare. These missiles fly at speeds exceeding Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound, rendering them nearly invulnerable to existing missile defense systems. The implications of such advancements are monumental, reshaping military strategies and international security dynamics.

Stay tuned for more thrilling insights into the world of technology and innovation. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and as always, stay curious!
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