Libyan National Transitional Council fighters are equipped BMP-3 Khrizantema Russian missile 0810113

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Defense News - Libya

 
 
Saturday, October 8, 2011, 05:38 PM
 
Libyan National Transitional Council fighters are equipped with BMP-3 Khrizantema Russian missile
A number of photographs reportedly showing Libyan NTC (National Transitional Council) forces on October 6, 2011, on the frontline near Sirte show them in possession of a state of the art Russian made BMP-3 Khrizantema-S anti-tank missile destroyer. This is thought to be one of only three examples delivered to the Libyan Army by Russia prior to the civil war and subsequent UN arms embargo.
     
A number of photographs reportedly showing anti-Gadaffi forces on October 6, 2011, on the frontline near Sirte show them in possession of a state of the art Russian made Khrizantema-S anti-tank missile destroyer. This is thought to be one of only three examples delivered to the Libyan Army by Russia prior to the civil war and subsequent UN arms embargo.
Libyan National Transitional Council fighters firing with BMP-3 Khrizantema-S against pro-Gaddafi forces near the city of Sirte, October 6, 2011.
     

This anti-tank missile system represents one of the most advanced and capable anti tank systems in operation, only entered Russian service in 2003/2004. Libya is the only known export customer and even this operator was not known about until recently.

In 2009/2010 Russia and Libya agreed a large arms deal, reportedly worth $1.8million (USD). The exact types and quantities are not fully know although a number of anti-ship missiles and advanced Yak-130 jet trainer/light attack aircraft were believed to be included

A Russia media reported last montth that three BMP-3 Khrizantema were delivered to Libya. It is unknown how many more were due to be delivered or the fate of the other two units. Furthermore it is not certain if this vehicle was captured at some other time or place or during the advance to Sirte.

     
On this video from Reuters you can see Libyan National Transitional Council NTC fighters who use the BMP-3 Khrizantema-S against pro-Gaddafi forces near the city of Sirte