Russia Relocates S-400s and S-300s from Syria to Libya’s Eastern Region

Reports have emerged that Russia is transferring advanced air defense systems and military equipment from its military base in Syria to Libya.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) cited U.S. officials on Wednesday. The Russian military recently loaded S-400 and S-300 radar equipment onto transport planes and moved them to eastern Libya. Russian forces are also relocating personnel, military aircraft, and logistical equipment.

The eastern region of Libya, where Russia is moving its military equipment, is controlled by Khalifa Haftar, a Libyan warlord closely aligned with Russia. This has led to speculation that as the pro-Russian Bashar al-Assad regime collapses, Russia may relocate its Mediterranean military base in Syria to Libya. Russia has already been using the Wagner Group, a private military company, to leverage Libya as a transit hub to the African continent.

For years, Russia has operated naval and air bases in Syria as part of its support for the Assad regime. These military installations have served as a hub for Russia to bolster its influence in the Middle East and Africa. The Russian naval base in Tartus, Syria, was the only facility for the Russian Navy to resupply and repair ships in the Mediterranean.

Reports indicate that Russia has been discussing long-term leasing options for ports in eastern Libya, such as Benghazi or Tobruk, since last year after meeting with Haftar. Benghazi is approximately 400 miles (643 kilometers) from Greece and Italy. U.S. military authorities believe Russia is considering expanding facilities at Tobruk to dock its warships.

Libya has been in turmoil since the 2011 uprising that led to the assassination of Muammar Gaddafi, resulting in a division between the eastern and western parts of the country and ongoing power struggles. Haftar has sought air defense supplies from Russia to consolidate control over the fragmented nation.

Experts caution that it remains uncertain whether Russia will ultimately transfer the weapons and military equipment from its Syrian bases to Libya. Haftar is likely to face intense pressure from the U.S. and Western nations to refrain from allowing the expansion of Russian military bases.