CIA: Libyan missile program staging a comeback

WASHINGTON — Libya has made strides in its effort to develop a medium-range ballistic missile.

The CIA says Libya is obtaining foreign support for its missile program, largely from North Korea and Russia.

Tripoli accelerated its missile program in the wake of the suspension of United Nations sanctions in 1999, Middle East Newsline reports. Libya has already reestablished contacts with sources for both missiles and nonconventional weapons and in less than two years is said to have bought up to $100 million worth of Russian weaponry and defense system upgrades.

Russia has also exported an undetermined amount of missile components and technology to Tripoli, the latest CIA report on proliferation released last week said.

"Libya has continued its efforts to obtain ballistic missile-related equipment, materials, technology, and expertise from foreign sources," the CIA report said. "Outside assistance is critical to its ballistic missile development programs, and the suspension of UN sanctions last year has allowed Tripoli to expand its procurement effort. Libya's current capability remains limited to its aging Scud B missiles, but with continued foreign assistance it may achieve an MRBM [medium-range ballistic missile] capability — a long-desired goal."

The report said Libya aims to develop chemical and biological weapons and already has a nascent nuclear research and development program. The CIA envisions Libya increasing procurement for what Tripoli will present as a civilian nuclear program. The report cites talks by Moscow and Tripoli to help develop Libya's Tajura Nuclear Research Center and obtain a nuclear reactor.

"Should such civil-sector work come to fruition, Libya could gain opportunities to conduct weapons-related R&D [research and development]," the CIA report said.

Libya is also receiving dual-use components for its chemical-weapons program from Western countries. The CIA did not name the countries but said Tripoli is seeking machine tools, spare parts, scientific equipment, and specialty metals.