The final instalment of the Libyan Aviation Exhibition, LAVEX, was held at Tripoli-Mitiga in 2009. Before the uprising that left the country divided and in turmoil. Aviagraphers were there and here is a pictorial impression of what once was a potent air force.

The mighty MiG-25 was withdrawn from use already. Many remained stored in the open air though, spread over three bases.

In 2009 the refurbishment of the Mirage F1 fleet was in full swing.

For years, advanced training and light attack was performed with the L-39ZA, like this 1938 featured in the static.

The daily aerial exhibition of the Albatross was nice and low, as 1944 demonstrates here.

Fighter-bombers usually were sourced in the former Soviet Union, as is witnessed by one of various types of the Su-22 flown.This 311 is a Su-22M.

Primary training was carried out with the Siai-Marchetti SF.260WL.

At LAVEX, these were used to fly formation aerobatics.

All four Warriors present are seen here lined up before starting up for departure back to their home base.

Other formations included a three ship MiG-23/Mirage F1 combo and a duo of MiG-23s. Backlit and far away alas. The two seat aircraft unfortunately crashed during the show week.

Apart from the MiG-23s and Mirage that flew, these types were also represented on the static display.

Few air forces flew the An-124, technically 5A-DKL was on charge with Libyan Air Cargo.

Just like the fleet of Il-76s, the white one is an Il-76TD with Libyan Air Cargo titles, and the green-tailed Il-76T wears Jamahiria Air Transport titles.

Impression shot of the cargo ramp where aircraft were actively operating from during LAVEX.

The Air Force operated a mixed fleet of Antonov 26 and 32 transports. This An-32P 5A-DRC is modified for aerial firefighting...

...whereas 'regular' An-26 8212/5A-DOD was used for transport.

C-130H 118 was just refurbished in Portugal at the time. It is believed to be operated by Libyan Dawn AF nowadays.

Libya also used the L-100-30, like this 5A-DOM, later seen with a 'Free Libya' flag painted on its tail.

VIP aircraft of choice is the Il-62M, 5A-DNY is stored now.

Various Meridionali-built Chinooks were seen. This olive drab LC-010 was just refurbished.

This aptly camouflaged refuelling truck was busy at the end of the show to fuel up the static aircraft before their departure.

Brand new at the time was this An-74TK-300D. L-410UVP-E 2008 was also first noted in Libya at LAVEX 2009.

The Libyan Police was in the process of receiving a fleet of AgustaWestland helicopters. This AW109 5A-DTL is fully kitted out for aerial surveillance.

Air cavalry can best be tasked to the Mi-24. Libya operated a variety of these, this is a Mi-35 delivered in the late eighties. It departed at sunset. Meanhwile it has been shot down by one of the rivalling factions.

This Mi-171E 2861 is in Medevac configuration. It has Ambulance titles.

The venerable Mi-8T was the workhorse then; and this 8230 was later also used by the Free Libyan AF.

Fresh from recent overhaul is this Mi-14. It flew throughout the show week.

Less pristine is this long row of stored Mi-14s and Mi-8s near the Eastern threshold. Some of these are still there and it somehow sums up the current state of the aerial assets of this troubled country.