South African Demilitarised Helicopters Ended Up in Libya Despite UN Embargo

JOHANNESBURG — 2025

At least four Gazelle helicopters exported from South Africa’s Lanseria Airport ended up with Libyan military forces despite a UN arms embargo, according to evidence obtained by local media.

The British and French army helicopters had been demilitarised in South Africa before their alleged export to General Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army in Benghazi over several months, a report indicates.

Flight documents showed the helicopters were officially destined for Jordan via Nairobi. However, Russian cargo aircraft reportedly diverted to Libya according to flight tracking information obtained by investigators.

Military analyst Darren Olivier, director of African Defence Review, confirmed the shipments, saying it was “unclear” whether flight transponders were switched off. The breach prompted South Africa’s Transport Department to review all Ilyushin Il-76 flights this year.

Libya remains under strict UN arms sanctions, though the report noted Security Council members had admitted existing restrictions are “ineffective”. Olivier observed the helicopters exploited loopholes because they were civilian-registered and demilitarised when leaving South Africa.

The aircraft were reportedly restored to military use after arrival. Sources claim the helicopters flew during a Libyan parade with SA registration marks crudely covered by Libyan flag stickers. This suggests Jordan may have been used as false documentation point.

South African authorities could investigate those involved for potential breaches of private military regulations. The identities of exporters weren’t detailed in available documentation.