By Ahmed Elumami.
Tripoli, 20 February 2013:
Libya and the US are looking the possibility of American technical support for the Libyan Air . . .[restrict]Force. According to Ali Sheiki, spokesman for Chief of Staff General Yousef Mangoush, the issue was discussed yesterday, Tuesday, between Mangoush and the US Chargé d’Affaires, William Roebuck.
The two looked at US technical support and maintenance for the Libyan Air Force, said Sheiki.
At present the Libyan Air Force operates a largely Russian-built fleet, mainly Migs, as well as some French Mirages. There have been reports, however, about Libya buying the Eurofighter Typhoon or the French Rafale fighter, or both.
So far there has been no suggestion of equipping the Air Force with US fighter aircraft. Nor, in present circumstances, is it thought likely that any sales of such aircraft would be approved by the US Congress.
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