Russia's Libya expansion: Potential widespread threat with Kalibr missiles
Russia has decided to increase its military involvement in Libya. In the port city of Tobruk, it plans to establish a military base. Using Kalibr missiles, it could potentially pose a threat to all of Europe.
Most of the Russian forces on the African continent, especially remnants of the Wagner Group mercenaries, are currently stationed in the Sahel region. Until now, Russia has focused its efforts on expanding its influence in the area—in countries such as the Central African Republic, Mali, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Niger. Russia has consistently displaced Western influences and taken control of natural resources in these countries.
However, since April, Russia has begun strengthening its position in Libya, especially in its eastern part. It supports the regime of General Khalifa Haftar, who opposes the Western-recognised government in Tripoli. According to estimates by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russia already has at least 1,000 mercenaries in Libya.
Potential threat to all of Europe
Tobruk, which lies near the border with Egypt, would be an ideal location for a Russian naval port. Permanent Russian forces could be stationed there, capable of threatening NATO's critical infrastructure with long-range Kalibr cruise missile attacks.
According to an ISW report, these missiles would have a range encompassing eastern Spain, two-thirds of France, Germany, Poland, southern Lithuania, Ukraine, Turkey, and all European countries lying south of the mentioned areas.
