Micah Jonah, April 2, 2026
Eastern Libya’s military leader, Khalifa Haftar, may have acquired advanced combat drones in violation of a United Nations arms embargo, according to satellite imagery reviewed by defence experts.
The images, captured between April and December 2025, reportedly show at least three unmanned aerial vehicles stationed at the Al Khadim airbase, located about 100 kilometres east of Benghazi. Analysts say the development raises fresh concerns over continued breaches of the long-standing embargo on Libya.
Experts who examined the imagery identified one of the drones as likely a Chinese-made Feilong-1, an advanced surveillance and strike platform. The other two are believed to be Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones, widely used in modern conflict zones.
Ground control equipment linked to drone operations was also observed at the base, suggesting that the aircraft may have been active. However, analysts say it remains unclear who is operating the drones, as Haftar’s forces are not widely known to possess the technical expertise required for such systems.
Libya has remained divided since the end of its civil war, with Haftar’s administration controlling the eastern region, while the internationally recognised government led by Abdulhamid Dbeibah operates from Tripoli in the west.
The conflict, which intensified between 2014 and 2020, saw extensive use of drone warfare, with foreign powers backing opposing sides. While countries such as Turkey supported the Tripoli-based government, Haftar’s forces were reportedly backed by nations including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia.
Although a ceasefire was reached in 2020, the country remains politically fragmented, with ongoing negotiations aimed at forming a unified government. Analysts say the presence of new combat drones could strengthen Haftar’s influence, particularly in the oil-rich eastern and southern regions under his control.
A Libya-based policy expert noted that the development could significantly boost Haftar’s negotiating position, but questioned the operational control of the drones, raising concerns over possible foreign involvement.
Satellite imagery also indicates that Al Khadim airbase has undergone significant upgrades, including the construction of new hangars and infrastructure to support drone operations.
Despite the findings, it remains unclear which country supplied the drones or whether any exemptions were granted under the UN arms embargo framework. Neither the Libyan National Army nor the governments of China and Turkey have responded to the claims.
The United Nations has maintained restrictions on arms transfers to Libya since 2011, following the uprising that led to the removal of former leader Muammar Gaddafi. However, multiple reports have indicated continued violations, with advanced weaponry entering the country during and after the conflict.
The latest development highlights ongoing security concerns in Libya and underscores the challenges facing international efforts to stabilise the country and enforce compliance with global arms regulations.
