Defence

Libya is negotiating with Serbia and Montenegro for the purchase of 24 used Utva G-4 Super Galeb jet trainers. The selected aircraft would be overhauled and modernised to the G-4MD standard at the government's Moma Stanojlovic overhaul facility at Batajnica air base near Belgrade, with the support of Utva Aircraft factory at Pancevo, where half of the airframe was built until 1991.

The G-4MD is a derivative of the G-4M, equipped to meet Libya's requirement for an interim advanced trainer, until new aircraft are bought. Modern navigational equipment and a glass cockpit of western origin would be installed on the type.

A G-4M prototype is undergoing flight tests at Batajnica air base test centre. Compared with the standard G-4, the modernised aircraft has four strengthened underwing hardpoints and launch rails for R-60 air-to-air missiles on each wingtip.

The maximum armament load of the G-4M is 1,950kg (4,300lb), a 35% increase compared with the standard trainer. The G-4M also has upgraded avionics and an electronic sight.

ALEKSANDAR RADIC/BELGRADE