New Libyan weapons programmes

[contedicavour]

Gradually the first weapons contracts are coming to public knowledge.

> 100 mln euro to supply Milan anti-tank missiles (France)
> contract to modernize and refurbish 12 Mirage F1 (France)
> Presidential Guard requires new 155mm SP artillery, new wheeled APCs and communications systems (not assigned yet)
> modernization of Otomat (old Mk1 version) SSMs aboard the navy's FACs (not assigned yet, but it's either France or Italy)
> modernization and refurbishment of 12SF260W light planes (similar to PC7 - assigned to Italy)
> acquisition of A109 (unarmed) helos and help with setting up a maintenance and assembly line in Libya (Italy)

It appears that negotiations exist for a transfer of older F16s to Libya in exchange for access to Wheelus Air Force Base (an old English base before Gheddafi chased Western soldiers and companies in 1973).

Does anybody have more details ?

cheers

 

[kato]

The Milan contract was for 168 million euro.

Also, don't forget the 128 million euro contract for new Tetra digital communication systems from EADS that was announced at the same time.

For comparison, it costs Austria almost exactly the same to equip their entire police forces with a Motorola Tetra system (out of which 70% is for infrastructure alone). Going by the rough numbers for the Austrian contract, this one would probably be enough to re-equip the entire Lybian military with new, secure communication systems.

 

[contedicavour]

The Milan contract was for 168 million euro.

Also, don't forget the 128 million euro contract for new Tetra digital communication systems from EADS that was announced at the same time.

Ror comparison, it costs Austria almost exactly the same to equip their entire police forces with a Motorola Tetra system (out of which 70% is for infrastructure alone). Going by the rough numbers for the Austrian contract, this one would probably be enough to re-equip the entire Lybian military with new, secure communication systems.

Interesting thks. In the past Libya would just have splurged billions asap on hardware such as new jets and tanks. Nowadays they are thinking of secure communication systems first. I guess we'll soon have Libyan officers in military academies in Europe, by the way.

cheers