Haftar acquires combat drones despite UN arms embargo

A new report by Reuters has revealed that forces loyal to eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar may have acquired advanced combat drones of Chinese and Turkish origin, in apparent violation of the United Nations arms embargo imposed on Libya since 2011.

Satellite imagery analysed by weapons experts shows the presence of at least three aircraft believed to be Chinese-made Feilong-1 drones and Turkish Bayraktar TB2 systems at Al-Khadim Air Base, located approximately 100 kilometres east of Benghazi. Ground control equipment associated with drone operations was also visible at the site earlier this year.

According to the report, analysts believe these systems could significantly enhance Haftar’s operational capabilities, particularly in eastern and southern Libya. The drones may be used to secure strategic oil infrastructure and strengthen his position in ongoing political negotiations aimed at forming a unified Libyan government.

The findings also raise wider regional concerns. Experts cited by Reuters suggested the drones could potentially be deployed to support supply routes for paramilitary groups operating in neighbouring countries, including Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces. However, Haftar has denied any direct links to such activities.

Questions have also emerged regarding who is operating the systems. Analysts noted that Haftar’s forces are not widely believed to possess the technical expertise required to manage advanced drone platforms, prompting speculation over possible external involvement.

The report recalls that unmanned aerial systems played a decisive role during the Libyan conflict between 2014 and 2020, when Haftar’s forces launched an offensive against the internationally recognised government in Tripoli. During that period, his campaign received backing from countries including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia, while Turkey supported the western-based authorities. China, meanwhile, maintained an officially neutral position.

Reuters said it was unable to determine when the drones arrived or who supplied them. There was no immediate response to requests for comment from eastern Libyan authorities, the governments of China or Turkey, or the manufacturers Zhongtian Feilong and Baykar. The Tripoli-based government also declined to comment.

The report underscores ongoing concerns over the effectiveness of the UN arms embargo, which has repeatedly failed to prevent the flow of advanced weaponry into Libya. The country remains one of Africa’s most prominent theatres for drone warfare.

Despite a relative easing of frontline hostilities in recent years, both sides of Libya’s political divide continue to expand their military capabilities. In December, Haftar’s forces were reported to have reached a $4 billion agreement with Pakistan to procure military equipment, including JF-17 Thunder fighter jets developed jointly with China.

Reuters concludes that the presence of these drones represents both a symbolic and strategic boost to Haftar’s influence, particularly in eastern and southern Libya, at a time when the country remains politically divided and security dynamics continue to evolve.