Ustica I russi nel 1978 danno ai libici anche i missili Acrid col Mig 25

 

In 1978, the

AA-6 "Acrid" (Soviet designation R-40) was a heavy air-to-air missile delivered to Libya as part of its acquisition of the MiG-25 "Foxbat" interceptor.

Key Details for 1978

• Delivery Context: Libya began receiving its first batches of the MiG-25P (interceptor) and MiG-25R (reconnaissance) versions from the Soviet Union between 1977 and 1978.
• Missile Capability: The R-40 was specifically designed to arm the MiG-25. It was the world's largest air-to-air missile at the time, intended to intercept high-speed, high-altitude targets.
• Specifications:
  • Guidance: Available in two versions—the R-40R (semi-active radar homing) and the R-40T (infrared homing).
  • Size: Approximately 6.2 meters in length with a massive 35kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead.
  • Performance: Capable of speeds exceeding Mach 4. 

• • 
    

Strategic Significance

The arrival of the MiG-25 and its "Acrid" missiles in 1978 significantly increased Libya's aerial reach over the Mediterranean and North Africa. During this period, Libya was aggressively modernizing its air force under Muammar Gaddafi, also purchasing Scud-B ballistic missiles and other advanced Soviet hardware. While the R-40 saw extensive use by Iraqi forces in later years, its presence in Libya during 1978 primarily served as a deterrent against Western and regional reconnaissance flights