Turkey has apparently deployed an unknown number of the U.S.-made M60 main battle tanks to Libya in support of its ally, the Government of National Accord (GNA). Turkey has consistently transferred several combat systems to the GNA, such as the Kirpi armored vehicle, which has failed to make a strategic impact to the conflict, and has even been judged combat ineffective by the Libyan National Army (LNA, al-jaysh al-waá¹aniyy al-LÄ«bii) after several were captured and tested. the LNA already operates Russian-built T-54/55, T-60, and T-72 as well as several anti-tank guided missiles.
Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan voiced his support for the GNA, saying that Turkey would “spare no effort in confronting the conspiracy against the Libyan people.” Hence, Turkey has provided drones, armored vehicles and munitions to the GNA. Turkey has sent ~5,000 to 15,000 Syrian Mercenaries to ‘bolster’ the Government of National accord to occupy and maintain a presence in major bases in the Tripoli region, of which are: Al-Yarmouk base in Tripoli, Sidi Bilal base in Tripoli ( Where Syrian & Turkish troops were seen thanking Erdogan ), Mitiga airport in Tripoli, Tripoli naval base, Al Watiya Airbase west of Tripoli, A Turkish Drone base being constructed in Tripoli.
Turkish Armed Forces continue to provide training to the Libyan Army personnel as part of the training, assistance and advice agreement. Recently, Tukish Army personnel provided ‘Service School Orientation Training’ to the Libyan soldiers. Photographs released by the Turkish Ministry of National Defence showed Libyans being trained on at least three M60A1 tanks inside a large shed. The Libyan military never operated the M60 but Turkey, the main supporter of the GNA in its war with the rival Libyan National Army (LNA), has large numbers of M60. The MSB showed Libyans being trained on a Turkish-made T-155 Fırtına self-propelled howitzer with a T-122 in the background.
Although, it is not yet known if the tanks sent to Libya are the legacy M60 model or the vastly improved Sabra MK II variant.
The Turkish Army owns more than 1,500 M60 main battle tanks. Most of these have been upgraded by Israel’s IMI Systems to the Sabra Mk II standard. Turkish Sabra MK II main battle tank is fitted with modular passive armour protection, which is upgraded to explosive reactive armour. It also includes an all-electric gun control system. The tank is equipped with a Knight computerised fire control system supplied by El-Op (Electro-Optics) Industries Ltd.
