The Libyan Antonov An-124 cargo plane has been in Ukraine for 10 years for maintenance at risk of being destroyed in the battle for the capital, Kyiv.

After a long delay in the payments demanded by the Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer that had initiated a legal sale procedure, the Libyan authorities announced in April 2021 their intention to settle the dispute in order to return the plane to Libya before the end of the year, and an additional budget had been allocated to cover the expenses.

The destruction of the plane would be a great loss for Libya, which is one of only two countries that owns the Antonov An-124, along with the United Arab Emirates, as these planes have a large capacity and can transport oil and industrial equipment and the logistical needs of armies around the world.

Adapted from African Intelligence Website