Libya ShKH DANA vz.77

Libya received an unknown number of ShKH DANA vz.77 SPGs (Self Propelled Gun) from Czechoslovakia between 1983-84 [1].  Reports of the actual number delivered vary widely from as low as 20 units to over 100 [2].  It is the inference of the author that the true number is likely to be a the lower end of that range [3]. 

ShKH DANA vz.77 on parade, date unknown.  The yellow emblem on the front identifies this unit as being part of the Libya Army's "Direction of Artillery and Missiles".  Source: Author's collection

The history of these units in Libyan service is largely unknown however they are believed to have had played an active role in the later stages of the Libyan-Chad conflict.  It is likely they were ordered specifically to support this ongoing campaign of sporadic warfare between 1978-87.

Video still of ShKH DANA vz.77 on parade in Tripoli during the 1999 celebrations marking 4O years since the military coup led by then Gaddafi.  At least 16 units are belevied to have been paraded.  Source: YouTube [4]

The apparent visual absence of these during the 2011 Libyan Civil War was noted by some observers, with some speculating that they may have been destroyed by early NATO air strikes.  Photographs taken in late August 2012 indicate  that at least some survived the conflict relatively intact [5].  One could infer that they may have been held back from the front lines due to their potential vulnerability to air strikes.

The photographs below are all taken from the Facebook profile of the SSC (Supreme Security Committee) Tripoli [6].  They are reportedly taken around Tarhuna near Tripoli, and related to the capture of a large number of artillery of various types from pro-Gaddafi militia [7].

Source: SSC Tripoli

Source: SSC Tripoli

Source: SSC Tripoli

Source: SSC Tripoli

Source: SSC Tripoli

Source: SSC Tripoli

Source: SSC Tripoli

Source: SSC Tripoli

Source: SSC Tripoli

Notes 

[1] SIPRI Arms Transfers Database http://sipri.org (accessed 08/09/2012)
[2] "No. could be between 20 and 80" SIPRI Arms Transfers Database http://sipri.org (accessed 08/09/2012)  & "120" Wikipedia (no citation) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/152mm_SpGH_DANA (accessed 08/09/2012)
[3] Identified serial numbers are 88100 (unconfirmed), 88105, 88112 and 88116.  This low range suggests a low number of units.
[4] YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIGehN-6JgU (accessed 08/09/2012)
[5] Seven different examples have been identifed by the author based on the photographs available.
[6] SSC Tripoli http://www.facebook.com/SSCTRIPOLI (accessed 07/09/2012)
[7] Aljazeera http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/08/201282415813211951.html (accessed 07/09/2012)