Eastern Libya military commander Khalifa Haftar has acquired advanced combat drones in apparent violation of a long standing United Nations arms embargo, according to satellite imagery and weapons experts, raising fresh concerns about the fragile balance of power in the divided country.
Commercial satellite images reviewed between late April and December show at least three unmanned aerial vehicles stationed at Al Khadim airbase, located about 100 kilometers east of Benghazi. The presence of these aircraft has not been previously reported.
Experts who analyzed the imagery said ground control systems linked to the drones remained visible earlier this year, suggesting the systems may still be operational.
Weapons specialists identified one of the drones as likely a Chinese made Feilong 1, a model capable of both surveillance and strike missions. The other two appear consistent with Turkish made Bayraktar TB2 drones, widely used in conflicts across multiple regions.
The exact origin of the drones remains unclear. Authorities in eastern Libya, as well as officials from China and Turkey, have not publicly responded to inquiries. It is also unknown whether any exemptions to the UN embargo were sought or granted for their transfer.
The UN arms embargo, in place since 2011, requires approval from the Security Council for any weapons shipments to Libya. A recent UN resolution expressed grave concern about ongoing violations, highlighting the difficulty of enforcing restrictions in a country fractured by rival administrations.
Strategic implications for Libya’s divided leadership
Libya has remained politically split since a 2020 ceasefire ended years of civil war. Haftar controls the east and large parts of the south, including key oil facilities, while a rival internationally recognized government operates from Tripoli in the west.
Analysts say the arrival of new drones could strengthen Haftar leverage in any future negotiations aimed at unifying the country.
The deployment of advanced drones would represent a significant symbolic and operational gain, according to regional analysts. It reinforces control over territory and signals readiness to escalate if needed.
During the 2014 to 2020 conflict, drones played a decisive role, with foreign powers backing opposing sides. The United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia supported Haftar forces, while Turkey backed the Tripoli based government. Those interventions turned Libya into a key testing ground for drone warfare in Africa.
Although large scale fighting has subsided, evidence suggests both sides are rearming. Analysts and UN investigators have pointed to increased military procurement efforts, including air power enhancements.
In December, eastern authorities reportedly reached a multibillion dollar agreement with Pakistan for military equipment, including fighter jets developed in partnership with China. Questions remain over whether such deals comply with international restrictions.
The newly identified drones would significantly bolster eastern Libya aerial capabilities, especially following the earlier withdrawal of Chinese made Wing Loong II drones that had been stationed at Al Khadim.
Despite the apparent acquisition, uncertainty surrounds who is operating the drones. Experts note that Haftar forces are not widely known to possess the technical expertise required to run advanced unmanned systems independently.
That raises questions about possible external involvement, including foreign operators or technical support.
The issue underscores broader concerns about proxy influence in Libya, where outside powers have historically shaped the conflict while denying direct involvement.
Turkey evolving relationship with eastern Libya adds another layer of complexity. Once a firm supporter of the Tripoli government, Ankara has recently engaged diplomatically with Haftar camp, seeking to protect economic and energy interests.
High level meetings between Turkish officials and eastern Libyan representatives have signaled a shift toward pragmatic cooperation, though details of any military discussions remain undisclosed.
The introduction of new combat drones could have implications beyond Libya borders. Analysts warn they may be used to secure supply routes or influence neighboring conflicts, particularly in Sudan, where instability continues.
At the same time, the developments risk undermining international efforts to stabilize Libya and enforce the arms embargo.
The United Nations has repeatedly called for restraint and adherence to sanctions, but enforcement challenges persist amid competing geopolitical interests.
As Libya remains divided, the emergence of new military assets highlights the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the ongoing struggle for power. Whether these developments lead to renewed conflict or increased bargaining power in political talks will likely shape the country trajectory in the months ahead.