MiG-29 in Action Over Libya: Newly Delivered Russian Fighter Seen Over Besieged City

Following the delivery of Russian fourth generation MiG-29 and Su-24 fighter aircraft to forces aligned with the Libyan National Army (LNA) in May, at least one MiG-29 fighter as reported been sighted over the strategically located coastal city of Sirte. The reported sighting of the MiG-29 comes amid ongoing war in Libya between the LNA and the Turkish and Western backed Government of National Accord (GNA), with Islamist militias which spearheaded the war effort against the preceding Muammar Gaddafi government aligning with the latter while secular forces from the pre-2011 government have aligned themselves with the former. Sirte represents a major stronghold of the former Libyan government, and is currently under LNA control. The city has been threatened by a major Turkish supported GNA offensive which was announced on June 6th. After a series of losses to Turkish backed forces, the LNA has indicated that it will resist efforts to capture Sirte, an effort for which the deployment of modern Russian fighters could be decisive. 

The MiG-29 is the only fourth generation multirole fighter participating in the Libyan conflict, and they are thought to be flown by Russian contractor pilots hired by the LNA to support its efforts. Their deployment could provide valuable air cover against attacks by Turkish drones, which have recently taken a heavy toll on LNA forces. If operating alongside Su-24 strike fighters, the MiGs can pose a serious threat to GNA forces operating Turkish built aircraft. Images of a MiG-29 flying over Sirte first emerged on June 10th on social media, although it is unclear were the aircraft are deployed, what kind of armaments they have access to and how many are available.