On November 3, 2026, Libya's Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Saddam Haftar, led an inspection tour at the Benina Air Base to assess the operational readiness and development plans of the Libyan Air Force. He was accompanied by the Chief of General Staff, Khalid Haftar. The visit aimed to evaluate the current state of the air force and discuss strategies for its enhancement.
During the visit, Saddam Haftar and his delegation held a crucial meeting with the Chief of Air Staff, Major General Adel Abdullah, and commanders of various air bases and units. The discussions focused on prioritizing development efforts, requirements for the upcoming phase, and an on-site assessment of the available technical and logistical capabilities.
Saddam Haftar expressed his deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Libyan Air Force personnel since the onset of the February 17 revolution. He highlighted their historical role in restoring security and stability despite limited resources at the time. He also paid tribute to the martyrs of the air force, prayed for the injured, and wished the personnel continued success in their duties.
The development vision for the Libyan Armed Forces, as emphasized by Saddam Haftar, centers on building comprehensive defensive capabilities, enhancing coordination among different military branches, and updating command and control systems. This strategy also involves investing in national competencies and modern technologies to keep pace with regional military and security changes.
The air force is a key component of this strategic vision, with intensive efforts underway to upgrade its capabilities. These efforts are led by the Chief of General Staff, Khalid Haftar, with continuous support and follow-up from the General Command. The goal is to elevate the air force's capabilities to match those of advanced regional air forces within the next three years.
To achieve this objective, the Libyan Air Force plans to accelerate training, qualification, and modernization programs, with active participation from all personnel. This endeavor is part of a broader national project aimed at establishing an integrated national defense system that safeguards Libya's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the security of its people.
The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the commitment to implement development plans, enhance operational and technical efficiency, and provide all necessary requirements for the readiness of air force personnel. This effort is integral to the comprehensive project to build a national defense system that protects Libya's interests and faces all challenges effectively.
Key points
- The Libyan Air Force aims to enhance its capabilities to match advanced regional air forces within three years.
