STATUS OF LIBYAN SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILE SITES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP83T00574R000102620001-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 4, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: September 1, 1982
• Content Type: REPORT

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STATUS OF LIBYAN SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILE SITES (S)
INTRODUCTION
1. (S/WN) This report discusses the status of Libyan surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites through~ 25X1
with information on SAM systems and new SAM deployments and tactics. Sixteen operational SAM 25X1
sites have been newly identified in Libya (Figure 1) since The newly identified sites include 25X1
six SA-2, seven SA-3, and three SA-6. In addition, since the beginning of 1982, seven decoy SAM sites
have been identified and SA-8 equipment has been observed. This increase in Libyan SAM defenses,
more than 20 percent, suggests a national concern about potential air attack, possibly precipitated by the
Gulf of Sidra incident in August 1981 or the Israeli bombing of the Iraqi reactor in June 1981. The report
includes four location maps.
2. (S/WN) Libya has more than 70 permanent and field-deployed SAM sites, including SA-2, SA-3,
SA-6, SA-9, and Crotale (Figures 2 through 4). The SAM defenses, concentrated predominantly on the
Mediterranean littoral, surround major military airfields and large population centers.
DISCUSSION
3. (S/WN) Eighteen operational SA-2 sites have been identified in Libya since 1973. The sites are
concentrated in the major population areas of Tarabulus, Banghazi, and Tubruq. Although a few sites are
field deployed, the SA-2 system is most frequently deployed in permanent sites.
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4. (S/WN) Since 1974, the SA-3 system has been the most frequently deployed SAM defense in
Libya; 29 sites were operational in July 1982. Concentrated in the coastal regions, the SA-3 equipment is
in permanent SA-2-configured sites or is field deployed. Libya has only the four-rail launcher in its
inventory. Each site consists of three four-rail launchers. However, some sites are equipped with a fourth
launcher for training purposes.
5. (S/WN) The SA-6 system is usually observed in regimental strength at SA-6 support facilities;
however, 12 tactically deployed SA-6 sites have been identified in Libya since 1974. Since the SA-6 is a
highly mobile and transient system, a site is not identified until some degree of permanency is
established. Frequently, SA-6 batteries are field deployed for training.
6. (S/WN) The first identification of the SA-8 system in Libya was at Tarabulus Military Installation
East-Southeast in January 1982. The installation houses a major training facility for all
types of SAM equipment. An SA-8 battery was observed at Tarabulus SAM Support Facility (BE
The SA-8 system has not yet been tactically deployed in Libya.
7. (S/WN) The SA-9, like the SA-6, is a highly mobile system. Six SA-9 sites have been identified
since 1978.
8. (S/WN) Crotale batteries have been observed at four locations in the Tarabulus area since 1973.
One of these batteries is deployed at a hardened SAM site.
9. (S/WN) Seven decoy SAM sites have been identified in Libya. They are El Uotia SA-3 SAM Site (BE
Tarabulus SA-3 Site Tajura Tubruq SAM Site Southeast
Tubrug SA-3 Site South , Tubruq SAM Site East Tubruq SA-2 Site East
and Okba Ibn Nafa SAM Site Northeast The four SA-3 and three SA-2
decoy sites may be occupied by actual SAM equipment (possibly derelict) or dummy equipment. Each
decoy site lacked the support equipment, ground scarring for cables, and acquisition radars necessary for
an operational site. Each decoy SAM site was deployed near an operational and identical system.
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(S/WN) All applicable satellite imagery acquired from 1973 through I Iwas used in the preparation of
this report.
DoD. Joint Operations Graphic; Series 1501; Sheets NH 34-4 and 35-1, NI 33-13 and 34-16; scale 1:250,000
(Distribution Restricted; Distribution Limited)
(S) Comments and queries regarding this report are w
World Forces Division, Imagery Exploitation Group, NPIC,
elcome. They may be directed to
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SEE FIGURE 1
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I ITARABULUS
\ I I
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EL UOTIA
MISRATAH
A%lediterranearn Sea
WADI AL HAMIN s
SEE FIGURE 4
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I I
I I TUBRUQ
Li
AL JAGHBUB
LIBYA
SABHA (SEBHA) s s
LEGEND
? SA-2
? SA-3
? SA-6
? SA-9
Q Crotale
l: Decoy
NOTE: Red denotes new-
ly identified
FIGURE 2. LIBYAN SAM DEPLOYMENT SITES
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I 3?30'
- 3V15-
Mediterranean Sea
Mediterranean Sea
-3 3?OO
0
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LEGEND
? SA-2
? SA-3
? SA-6
? SA-9
? Crotale
i) Decoy
NOTE: Red denotes new-
ly identified
FIGURE 3. SAM DEPLOYMENT IN THE TARABULUS AREA
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YPIC T-4667
LEGEND
? SA-2
? SA-3
NOTE: Red denotes new-
ly identified
FIGURE 4. SAM DEPLOYMENT IN THE TLJBRUQ AREA
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NPIC T-4668
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