On June 9, Twitter user Aldin shared satellite images showing what appears to be a Turkish-made KORKUT self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) in the Banana Project area near the Libyan capital of Tripoli.
The Turkish military deployed several KORKUT systems, among other heavy weapons in Libya last year. The step was meant to support the Government of National Accord (GNA) against the Libyan National Army (LNA).
Developed by Turkey’s defense giant ASELSAN, KORKUT is based on the FNSS ACV-30. The system is armed with a twin 2×35 mm Oerlikon KDC-02 cannon that can fire up to 1100 rounds a minute up to a range of 4 km.
The KORKUT’s radar has a range of 70 km. The SPAAG is also equipped with an advanced electro-optical tracking system.
Turkey is apparently working to improve the air-defense capabilities of GNA forces. Recently, a MIM-23 Hawk medium-range air defense system was deployed in the northern city of Misrata.
In the last two months, five combat drones supporting the LNA crashed in different parts of Libya. These drones may have been shot down by Turkish forces.
