Royal Libyan Air Force (RLAF) History (1959-1970)

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Al-Quwwat Al-Jawiyat Al-Malakiya Il-Libya

Okba ibn Nafa/Al Watiya Air Base

In 1965 the US donated Libya 3 T-33A trainers to start pilot training on Wheelus AFB for future Libyan pilots.

Dick Lohuis

Immediately after the coup in 1969, Libya ordered a large amount of aircraft and helicopters in France. Ten SA316B Alouetee III were delivered in 1970. A SAR detachment was permanently based at Luqa, Malta

John Vinavich

Okba ibn Nafa/Al Watiya Air Base (--)

RWY 10L/28R, 10R/28L     POS 32°28'24"N 011°53'52"E     ELEV 224 ft

Air Base Squadron Aircraft Type(s) Badge
Wheelus / Okba-Ibn-Nafa Air Base

Fighter Squadron 8 F-5A (1968 - 1971) to Greece
2 F-5B (1968 - 1971) to Greece


Transport Squadron 9 C-47 (1963 - 1971)


Helicopter Squadron 3 SA318 Alouette III (1963-1971)
1 AB206 (1963-1971)
2 Bell 47J (1962-1971)
3 SE.3131 Alouette II (1962-1971)


Training Squadron 3 T-33A (1963 - 1971)
2 Auster AOP.5 (1959-1971)
2 Goumhouriya (1959-1971)

The Royal Libyan Air Force took delivery of 8 F-5As and 2 F-5Bs. Due to sanctions against the coup in 1969, the delivery of more F-5s stocked. Finally Libya returned their F-5s to Greece.

Terry Murphy (Air Britain)

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