Lebanese Armed Forces equipment still contains significant amounts of old weaponry, but it has embarked on some major improvements recently. The M113, which is commonly found with every regiment and brigade, is considered to be the major element of the ground forces. A collection of Western and Soviet made arms and equipment exists ranging from rifles to tanks such as the T-54/55. However, the Lebanese army is still trying to rearm and modernize itself through new aids and purchases from different countries such as the United States, Belgium, Russia, and The Netherlands.
The LAF has been attempting to modernize and equip itself since 2005. Due to the budget limits, and instead of spawning an indigenous arms industry the LAF is relying on donations and friendly priced equipment.
The United States has been supplying the Lebanese Armed Forces with light to medium arms since 2005, in the form of a package of more than US$1.2 billion-worth of equipment that is still being executed. Among these supplies are HMMWV, M-35/A3, Mk 19 grenade launcher, M141 Bunker Defeat Munition, TOW 2, HELLFIRE 2, AT4, and Barrett M107 .50 Cal. sniper. The US has promised to supply Lebanon with M2A2 ODS and M109A5. In addition, the US supplied Lebanon with 12 RQ-11 Raven small hand-launched UAVs, 12 M-109A3 and 183 additional M198 Howitzers from 2008 to 2016 making the total to 219,[1] and promised to deliver all water patrol boats and more utility, and attack helicopters.
On April 20, 2015, the Lebanese army took delivery of 48 MBDA Milan short-range anti-tank missiles as part of the $3 billion package donated by Saudi Arabia.
On February 19, 2016, The army chief expressed in an interview to Al-Akhbar newspaper the status of the Military aid to Lebanon and said: "There are contributions from many countries, but they remain symbolic. The US still the largest armament supplier."[citation needed] Later on the same day the Saudi Arabia press agency quoted a Saudi official, that Saudi Arabia halted the $3 billion program for military supplies to Lebanon.[citation needed]
Delivery in 1984 of a total number of 106. Used by the 5th Infantry brigade and the 1st Armoured regiment which brings the total number to 81. As of 2024, the Lebanese army operates and maintains 66 M48A5 tanks.[12]
In 1988 Iraq delivered an unknown number of T-54/55s, around 50 from militias after the civil war, 30 T-55s delivered from Libya after the civil war, and 180 delivered in 1993 from Syria. These are used as support by some Infantry Brigades, but its main operators are the 2nd Armored Brigade and the 3rd Mechanized Brigade, between them operating roughly 40 T-55A/T-55B/T-55MV. The Lebanese army possesses roughly 140 in total, with most being non-operational, mainly T-54 and subsequent variants as well as T-55A tanks.
The United Kingdom donated 1.2 million euros worth of armoured vehicle parts in May 2023.[22]
Lebanese Army received 3 Huey 2 helicopters from the US in February 2021.[23]
The Lebanese Army received VAB and Hot missiles and other equipment from France on May 30, 2017.
Lebanon received 12 M109 155mm self-propelled howitzers from Jordan in March 2015 and 400 Tow 2 by June 2015.
Lebanon received 72 M-198 Howitzers from the United States on February 8, 2015, along with M1044 (Up-Armored HMMWV) vehicles donated by the US, as part of the aid for fighting terrorism.[24]
Lebanon received 120 Land Rover Defender 90s from the United Kingdom on December 10, 2013.[25]
Lebanon received 71 HMMWVs, M1038 Cargo/Troop Carrier, M1026 Armament Carrier with Basic Armor, M1044 Armament Carrier w/ Supplemental Armor, vehicles donated by the US on August 17, 2013.[26]
In August 2013 France enhanced the operational capacities of the Lebanese army by providing military equipment. The gift included bulletproof vests, optical equipment and HOT missiles for Gazelle Helicopter.[27]
Lebanon received 31 M1151 (Up-Armored HMMWV) vehicles donated by the US on August 17, 2012.
Lebanon received 24 M1151 (Up-Armored HMMWV) vehicles donated by the US on July 22, 2011.
Lebanon received 106 vehicles donated by the UN in Lebanon on 13 May 2011.
Lebanon received 30 M-198 Howitzers in January, 2010.[28] This followed an earlier supply of 41 Howitzers in 2008, and 36 Howitzers operated by the LAF since the 80s.
Lebanon received 16 AIFVs and 12 M-113 ambulances in early December 2009, purchased from Belgium.[29]
On May 22, Lebanon officially announced the delivery of the first 10 M60/A3, one M88, and several other items during a ceremony at Beirut International Airport.
On March 23, 2009, the LAF took delivery of 40 HMMWVs, and 9 sport utility vehicles from the US.[30]
On March 20, 2009, the LAF purchased 6 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4×4is.[31]
On December 28, 2008, the US delivered 72 HMMWVs. Twelve of these were ambulances.[32]
During 2008, the US supplied Lebanon with 200 M35A3 and 41 M198 Howitzers.[33]
As of March 2008, the Netherlands had donated 100 DAF trucks to the Lebanese Army.[34]
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