Full specs of the Lebanese A-29 Super Tucano variant

Lebanon sealed a deal for 6 A-29 Super Tucano close air support aircraft at $462 millions back in 2015. The announcement of the deal confirmed some parts of the expected specifications & armaments, but also raised questions about other much required capabilities (i.e. will it support Hellfire?) and about the higher cost compared to other A-29 deals (Ex. Nigeria and Afghanistan). As per the announcement, the aircraft will be equipped with ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispensing Systems, AN/AAR-60(V)2 Missile Launch Detection Systems, and non-SAASM Embedded Global Positioning System/Initial Navigation System (EGIs). Besides they will support the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS).

A record in the [US] Federal Register however gives clear details on the complete specifications. The Lebanese variant will be equipped with MX–15 Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) Laser sensor suite (same as those on the AC-208B Combat Caravan) and will be capable of employing the following systems mounted on its six external hard points:

• AGM–114M3, N3, & R5 Hellfire missiles

1. M3 is blast fragmentation variant
2. N3 is thermometric variant
3. R5 is a variant of Hellfire Romeo - multi-function warhead

• 2.75′′ rockets (MK4, MK40, MK 66, Hydra 70)
• GBU-12 Paveway II - Mk 82 500 lb (227 kg) bomb
• GBU-58 Paveway II - Mk 81 250 lb (113.4 kg) bomb
• APKWS II
• FN HMP-400 .50 caliber gun pods

In addition "critical cockpit, fuel system and engine components" will have aircraft armor (probably from TenCate) able to withstand small arms fire.

With the AGM-114 Hellfire support, the Lebanese variant could be considered the most advanced variant of the A-29 Super Tucano as this capability was not previously supported. Providing this capability is most likely part of the higher cost reported.

The training of Lebanese pilots already started earlier in 2017. We hope to see the Lebanese Air Force flying Super Tucanos in action very soon!

This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)

Has the time for LAF M2 Bradley arrived?

The Al-Akhbar Lebanese newspaper quoted the new LAF commander Gen. Joseph Aoun referring to upcoming US arms deliveries: "US assistance consisting of shells, missiles, new APCs, and artillery will arrive soon". (Ref)

The most common APC operated by the Lebanese Army is the M113 with more than 1,300 vehicles of different variants & derivatives acquired from difference sources. Lebanon has been receiving this APC for years with 200 more delivered in 2013 and 30 in 2015.

Lebanon does not however operate the M113A3 Gavin, which could be considered "new" APC by the LAF standard, yet, does Lebanon need more basic APCs? Isn't Lebanon looking for better armored and more lethal vehicles? Isn't Lebanon looking for IFV not APC?

The, derived, answer is yes, Lebanon needs and is looking for IFVs, we can conclude this from two main events.

The Belgian Deal 2009
Lebanon had a one of a kind opportunity to procure ex-Belgium AIFV-B-C25 from Belgium at ~56,000 EUR per vehicle including spare parts and ammunition (Ref).  Lebanon took this opportunity and acquired 16 vehicles which were later combat proven during battles with ISIS and JAN.

DONAS
The DONAS agreement (status unknown, but most likely cancelled) is another opportunity where Lebanon tried to acquire IFVs. The deal included VAB infantry combat vehicle (ICV) variant (ref). 

Besides these two, the LAF has been attempting to upgrade the armor & protection of its M113. We have seen variants being exhibited or in operations with cage & locally made cupola shields that is completed closed.

Back to what the commander mentioned; should we conclude that he actually meant IFVs, not, yet, just another number of M113 APCs? If so, is it the M2 Bradley given than IAV Stryker is not a vehicle being phased out?  Until further information, let's keep our hopes for the M2 Bradley.

This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)