tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23029735201632667152024-03-19T05:09:22.469+02:00LAF Digest (Unofficial)This blog is dedicated to topics related to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). The blogs covers unclassified armament news and other debatable related military topics relating to the LAF.
Through this blog we attempt to promote the LAF and support it.LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-38801162757486114132019-05-14T11:54:00.000+03:002019-09-10T14:29:41.509+03:00Significant deliveres during Q1/Q2 2019 further bolser LAF capabilities <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The arms delivered to the LAF continue steady, while other expected arms wait to be manufactured or delivered. Starting 2019 until today, the LAF received the following arms among others:<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>France</li>
<ol>
<li>10x <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/VAB_Mephisto">VAB HOT</a> (<a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/AmbaFranceLiban/status/1127115434245984256">Ref</a>) <br /><i>Note:25x were received in 2017 & 2018 (More <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/05/laf-receives-15-vab-hot-and-hundreds-of.html"><span id="goog_323081026"></span>here </a>and <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2018/11/france-delivers-second-batch-of-vab.html">here</a>)</i><span id="goog_323081027"></span></li>
<li>VAB HOT simulator(s) (<a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/AmbaFranceLiban/status/1127115434245984256">Ref</a>) <br /><i>Note: At least 2 were delivered in 2018 <a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/AmbaFranceLiban/status/1067354922612600832">(Ref)</a></i></li>
</ol>
<li>USA</li>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Precision_Kill_Weapon_System">Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System</a> (APKWS) (<a href="https://twitter.com/usembassybeirut/status/1095645630351970304">Ref</a>)<br />Note: 2000x ordered in 2105 along to A29 Super Tucano, read more <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2015/06/lebanons-29-super-tucano-deal.html">here</a>.</li>
<li>6x <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_Insitu_ScanEagle">Boeing Instu ScanEagle</a> UAVs (<a href="https://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/en/content/handover-drones-offered-us-authorities-laf-air-force">Ref</a>)<br /><i>Note: Ordered in 2017, read more <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/12/lebanese-air-force-6-md-530g-6-ScanEagle.html">here</a>.</i></li>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oshkosh_M1070">Oshkosh M1070</a> with M1000 semi-trailers (<a href="https://almashareq.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_am/features/2019/05/08/feature-01">Ref</a>)</li>
<li>Unspecified number of night-vision goggles and communication devices (<a href="https://twitter.com/usembassybeirut/status/1118084183413407744">Ref</a>)</li>
</ol>
</ol>
A waiting list of delivers exists with some already long overdue such as the <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/06/lebanese-army-to-receive-50-m109A5.html">M109A5.</a><br />
The LAF capabilities have definitely leaped and there are hopes for even more advanced land and air systems, but, the navy remains the branch that needs much more investment in capability, upgrades, and fire power.<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><ol>
</ol>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-69335964101842025712019-05-13T13:40:00.001+03:002019-05-13T13:40:49.788+03:00LAF is seeking upgrades for its combat simulators<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Unclassified information from PEO STRI reveal that the LAF is looking to upgrade two of its combat simulators.<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) 2000 <br />Value: USD900K | Q4 F2018<br /></li>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>AT4 Simulated Weapons hardware</li>
<li>Spares <br /></li>
</ol>
<li>Call For Fire Trainer (CFFT)<br />Value: USD140K | Q4 FY17<br /></li>
<ol>
<li>Terrain Data</li>
<li>Spares</li>
</ol>
</ol>
The award for CFFT was likely granted, but it is still not clear if the EST 2000 upgrade was awarded or not. It is worth noting that the EST 2000 employed by the LAF supports the RPG 7 weapons simulation (<a href="https://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/ar/content/%C2%ABest-plus%C2%BB-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A8-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B9-%D8%A5%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%87%D8%AC%D9%88%D9%85-%D9%88%D9%85%D8%B2%D9%8A%D8%AF-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%82%D9%91%D8%A9">Ref</a>).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-486862974711772762019-01-23T06:02:00.002+02:002019-06-02T10:43:08.685+03:00Lebanese Army to receive 2 newly built M88 Recovery Vehicles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Released US DOD awards details reveal that the Lebanese Army is set to receive 2 brand-new <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M88_Recovery_Vehicle">M88 Recovery Vehicle</a> manufactured by BAE Systems Land & Armament L.P. The production request seems to be have been submitted in 2018 while delivery instructions were confirmed in November 2018.<br />
<br />
While the LAF already operates M88, we are however not aware of any recent delivery of M88 vehicles, so we expect the vehicles to arrive in 2019.<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>SHIPPING INSTRUCTION FOR 2 LEBANON M88 VEHICLES.<br />DOD Award Administrative Change</i></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<b>Update May 29, 2019:</b><br />
The two vehicles were delivered at Beirut Port on May 29, 2019 as announced by the Lebanese Army (<a href="https://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/en/content/laf-received-2-rescue-vehicles-us-authorities">Ref</a>) while indicating these are M88<b>A2</b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-39250917718668349692019-01-22T22:15:00.001+02:002019-09-10T15:00:18.013+03:00LAF to receive additional 100 M1151A1B1 in 2019<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A new delivery order for additional 100 M1151A1 w/B1 for the Lebanese Army has been placed in September 2018 according to released US DOD award records. The contract which is worth USD21.3 million has been awarded to AM General LLC and is expected to be completed by end of March 2019.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>M1151A1B1 HMMWVS, 100 EACH AND CONTRACTOR UNIQUE SPARE PARTS PACKAGE FOR 3 YEARS FOR LEBANON, FMS CASE 7C-B-UWZ </i></blockquote>
<br />
The Lebanese Army <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2015/06/lebanese-army-is-expected-to-receive.html">already received</a> a number of M1151A w/B1 in the past years.<br />
<br />
<b>Update: </b><br />
The LAF took delivery of 150 ea M1151A1 w/B1 at Beirut Port on August 14, 2019 (<a href="https://www.armyrecognition.com/august_2019_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/united_states_has_delivered_armored_variant_of_hmmwvs_to_lebanon.html">Reference</a>). <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-46880051247617276232018-11-27T11:26:00.000+02:002019-05-14T11:55:02.745+03:00France delivers second batch of VAB Mephisto to Lebanese Army<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
France delivered its second batch of VAB HOT to the Lebanese Army on November 27, 2018 (<a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/AmbaFranceLiban/status/1067354922612600832">Ref</a>). The delivery included:<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>10x <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/VAB_Mephisto">VAB HOT</a> </li>
<li>2x VAB HOT simulators</li>
<li>96x <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HOT_(missile)">HOT missiles </a></li>
</ol>
This is the second delivery after the 15 vehicles <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/05/laf-receives-15-vab-hot-and-hundreds-of.html">delivered in 2017</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-81336191247367653102017-12-17T21:48:00.000+02:002017-12-17T21:48:41.628+02:00Lebanese Air Force acquiring Joint Programmable Fuze FMU-152<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A US DOD award on November 27, 2017 confirms that the Lebanese Air Force will be receiving an unspecified number of the <a href="https://www.kaman.com/sites/default/files/2010-FMU-152_Layout-w-NSN(1).pdf">Joint Programmable Fuze (JPF), FMU-152</a>. The fuze is compatible with the MK-82/83/84 and BLU-109/113 warheads which can be used in conjunction with Paveway and JDAM kits.<br />
<br />
This order comes soon after the <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/10/lebanese-army-receives-first-two-29.html">Lebanese Air Force received its first two A29 Super Tucano</a>, and must be directly related to its armaments.<br />
<br />
"<span class="text"></span>Kaman Precision Products, Orlando, Florida;
Middletown, Connecticut, has been awarded a $85,169,000
firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed fee contract for delivery of lot 13 of
the joint programmable fuze, FMU-52 and corresponding production, test
and engineering support. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida;
and Middletown, Connecticut, with an expected completion date of Feb.
28, 2019. This contract involves 26 percent foreign military sales to
Bahrain, Belgium, Chile, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Korea,
Lebanon, Morocco, Netherlands, Oman, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia,
Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. Fiscal 2017 procurement funds
in the amount of $85,169,000 are being obligated at time of award. This
contract was a sole-source acquisition. Air Force Life Cycle
Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting
activity (FA868118C0009).<br />
https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1381242/ <br />
"<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-34039183364908743722017-12-17T16:04:00.001+02:002017-12-18T17:15:07.024+02:00Lebanese Air Force to receive 6 MD 530G helicopters and 6 ScanEagle UAVs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On December 13, 2017 the US Embassy in Lebanon announced that the US will be funding three programs to support the Lebanese Army capability valued at more than $120 million. The programs will provide:<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Six MD 530G light attack helicopters</li>
<li>Six ScanEagle UAVs</li>
<li>Communication, electronic, and night vision equipment </li>
</ol>
The Lebanese Air Force already operates an unspecified number of ScanEagle UAVs (<a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.in/2017/05/scaneagle-uav-lebanese-airforce.html">ref</a>) but the MD 530G is a new platform that would most likely cause the SA 342L Gazelle helicopters to be phased out sooner or later. The LAF has been trying to overhaul and upgrade its inventory of SA 342 Gazelle helicopters for long time, but it never managed due to funding limitations and undelivered French aids.<br />
<br />
While only few of the Gazelles currently in service can fire guided missiles, the six MD 530G will be capable of doing so thanks to the modern technologies it is equipped with. The MD 530G uses the <a href="http://www.moog.com/products/weapon-stores-management.html">Moog Weapons Stores Management</a> giving it flexibly and modularity in types of weapons it can be equipped with which range from guns to TALON and Hellfire missiles. The weapons, together with the EO/IR sensor and on-screen targeting display, the platform will provide highly accurate hits.<br />
<br />
"These programs are being funded through the Department of Defense’s
“Building Partner Capacity” program and are together valued at more than
$120 million. The first program will provide the LAF a rotary wing
close air support capability through delivery of six new MD 530G light
attack helicopters and associated equipment and training, valued at more
$94 million. The second program will provide the LAF additional
command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance,
and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities through the delivery of six new
Scan Eagle unmanned aerial vehicles and associated equipment and
training, valued at more than $11 million. The third program will
provide the LAF additional capabilities to employ joint fire support and
close air support through the delivery of communications equipment,
electronics equipment, night vision devices, and training, valued at
more than $16 million.<br />
<br />
https://lb.usembassy.gov/centcom-commander-general-joseph-votels-visit-lebanon/ <br />
"<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-65633946261538051712017-11-21T13:20:00.000+02:002017-11-22T06:03:16.000+02:00LAF officially adopts MultiCam camouflage for its standard combat uniforms<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Lebanese Army officially adopted the MultiCam pattern as of today as its standard combat uniform camouflage (<a href="https://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/ar/content/%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%81-%D8%B9%D9%88%D9%86-%D9%8A%D8%B3%D9%84%D9%85-%D9%81%D8%AE%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%B1%D8%A6%D9%8A%D8%B3-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%85%D9%87%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%B9%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%B2%D9%91%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B3%D9%83%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9">Ref</a>). In what seems as a major change, the LAF officers no longer wear golden ranks on their combat uniforms as this has been replaced with a solid dark color equivalent.<br />
<br />
The U.S. Woodland has so far been the standard camouflage pattern for LAF standard combat uniforms. Special Operations units have for long time adopted different camouflage patterns including UCP and MARPAT. <br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrScTx__UuDOd1HX8GjGq9OM3UF25K-glLNZkXjbYKgSPdseoAspjpYXDmzhSCH_DJsmRjmwxj8B0QcA4kNkHo34MISsCqy-XrR2ujgx6a2CXcaj4DJo6gkL39cxr-Fnv3CZHIbFQ600/s1600/GN211120171400-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="900" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrScTx__UuDOd1HX8GjGq9OM3UF25K-glLNZkXjbYKgSPdseoAspjpYXDmzhSCH_DJsmRjmwxj8B0QcA4kNkHo34MISsCqy-XrR2ujgx6a2CXcaj4DJo6gkL39cxr-Fnv3CZHIbFQ600/s320/GN211120171400-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credits: LAF</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-85034320859548146112017-10-17T14:18:00.000+03:002017-10-17T14:18:10.342+03:00A-29 Super Tucano Expectations VS Reality Illustrations for the Novice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Negative feedback that are not based on any facts & information or any kind of research continue to follow <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/10/lebanese-army-receives-first-two-29.html">the reception of the first two Lebanese A-29 Super Tucano</a>. Most of these comments stem from the fact that the A-29 is a turbo-propeller aircraft, and that's leading to all sorts of stereotypes, including considering it a WWII aircraft.<br />
<br />
LAF Digest previously prepared a <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/10/facts-regarding-lebanese-A-29-super-tucano.html">detailed article</a> detailing facts & giving answers to common A-29 misconceptions. Today, we are attempting to change the mindset visually using expectations VS reality images. Just like the previous article, the target audience is the general public, not those who are savvy in military topics.<br />
<br />
<i>Click to enlarge photos.</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1unYDRYNAiTF2XNrunqR6fJjj9mcrgte8K4zqdpcb8_SoLCjC6jkhjCsMTIGMt8bUJ4s8Z2wB0gZz0_u6TjgSu0yitoXWdOxneb1584ph-sJfKyMyuqsNKLvb1zbVT5z4QCxOzsRxYsE/s1600/Bomb+Release.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="1016" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1unYDRYNAiTF2XNrunqR6fJjj9mcrgte8K4zqdpcb8_SoLCjC6jkhjCsMTIGMt8bUJ4s8Z2wB0gZz0_u6TjgSu0yitoXWdOxneb1584ph-sJfKyMyuqsNKLvb1zbVT5z4QCxOzsRxYsE/s400/Bomb+Release.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The A-29 can deliver guided missiles & bombs without utilizing legacy tactics. The Mirage III photo is used on purpose because it is part of the Lebanese nostalgia. It is time to move on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rRsB_9v35Pe2ob8S3VdXp31TkpahW5iK91ftzqNeb2pL4NKjo2Jb8w4Zys5ibeuVRgHwndaErOl5W6mXLdmmH_Hp-s6CsCweydCQKXbC4GKNxdiSru_Y-aNMjtipQeKzyV0qDfcEP3Y/s1600/cockpit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="1017" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rRsB_9v35Pe2ob8S3VdXp31TkpahW5iK91ftzqNeb2pL4NKjo2Jb8w4Zys5ibeuVRgHwndaErOl5W6mXLdmmH_Hp-s6CsCweydCQKXbC4GKNxdiSru_Y-aNMjtipQeKzyV0qDfcEP3Y/s400/cockpit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The A-29 has modern cockpit & avionics. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_3aa6ufmOTSTlbI4jJN5NaVwzXOJ0xvGflLr8Khz8wTCT1s2n5QYLugmkbhhpw1eCxQJzMZE79_V4Lc330yO6mYTl9ttz9o26XE-k2rLQ3WTOcOiDEtlbp513eTEp-O-w_lw4ZKAQYE/s1600/pilot.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="1020" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_3aa6ufmOTSTlbI4jJN5NaVwzXOJ0xvGflLr8Khz8wTCT1s2n5QYLugmkbhhpw1eCxQJzMZE79_V4Lc330yO6mYTl9ttz9o26XE-k2rLQ3WTOcOiDEtlbp513eTEp-O-w_lw4ZKAQYE/s400/pilot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The A-29 has a pressurized cabin just like modern jets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi0ggNnmZG6_2KlEp_qptBCBmEz4pXHp_m1P0bT0Qk_sUo_h-lM-U6kapEiR0pNVPFDAxn30P_KUg5h5HyTms6PmGcmn-nGueGLXWp8UT0u48hILzBlDfBnpuzLczi3MdWqIslo-W4Ac/s1600/Target+Acquisition.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="1021" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi0ggNnmZG6_2KlEp_qptBCBmEz4pXHp_m1P0bT0Qk_sUo_h-lM-U6kapEiR0pNVPFDAxn30P_KUg5h5HyTms6PmGcmn-nGueGLXWp8UT0u48hILzBlDfBnpuzLczi3MdWqIslo-W4Ac/s400/Target+Acquisition.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The MX-15 offers advanced surveillance and targeting capabilities.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Disclaimer: none of the photos used in the comparison are property of LAF Digest, all credit goes to original authors. </i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-72375838819032155582017-10-10T15:11:00.000+03:002017-10-10T17:32:52.005+03:00Facts & answers regarding the Lebanese A-29 Super Tucano for the novice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This article aims to clarify once for all what the Lebanese A-29 Super Tucano are about, and whether you should really care that they are not jets. The target audience is the general public, not those who are savvy in military topics.<br />
<br />
The amount of negative feedback & ridicule that came along to the <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2015/06/lebanons-29-super-tucano-deal.html">announcement of the six A-29 Super Tucano deal</a> and <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/10/lebanese-army-receives-first-two-29.html">the delivery of the first two</a> is, the least we can say, not fair. These platforms will transit the Lebanese Air Force capability to a whole new level which was not reachable, and had the LAF had it before, would have changed a lot of things when it comes to the war against terrorism.<br />
<br />
Here are some facts, and answers to frequent statements that clarify any doubt.<br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>General</li>
<ol>
<li>The Sierra Nevada A-29 Super Tucano is not equal (not the same) to the Embrarer EMB-314 Super Tucano. The A-29 is a further advancement of the original EMB-314 which includes changes in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligence,_surveillance,_target_acquisition,_and_reconnaissance#ISR_.28Intelligence.2C_surveillance_and_reconnaissance.29">ISR </a>capability, cockpit, supported arms, engine, and additional armor.</li>
<li>The Super Tucano primary goal and role is not to be a trainer. It was made to be light-attack aircraft designed for counter-insurgency, close air support, and aerial reconnaissance. It is not a trainer with arms. </li>
</ol>
<li>Survivability</li>
<ol>
<li>The aircraft has advanced counter-measure systems against surface-to-air-missiles (short range and MANPADs). The <a href="http://northamerica.airbus-group.com/north-america/usa/Airbus-Defense-and-Space/Electronic-warfare-and-self-protection/MILDS--F.html">MILDS F missile warning system</a> and <a href="http://www.baesystems.com/en-us/product/ale47-airborne-countermeasures-dispenser-system">ALE-47 counter-measure dispenser</a> in fact are used in some of the advanced aircraft and jet fighters, such as F-15, F-16, and F/A-18.</li>
<li>The MILDS F detects the incoming missiles, and the ALE-47 automatically releases the flare or chaff counter-measures accordingly. </li>
<li>The A-29 adds up armor plates to those of the original Embrarer EMB-314 Super <br />Tucano. Cockpit, fuel system and engine components all have armor plates by TenCate.</li>
<li>The A-29 can fly up to 35,000 feet and can engage targets from ~26,000 feet (Using Hellfire), a common 23 mm anti-aircraft (AA) gun max altitude is 6,500 feet, and a 35 mm AA gun is ~13,000 feet. </li>
</ol>
<li>Electronics</li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li>The <a href="https://www.wescam.com/products-services/airborne-surveillance-and-reconnaissance/mx-15/">MX-15 camera/sensor</a> is used on fixed-wing, rotary-wing, UAV, and aerostat all around the world. It is an advanced <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligence,_surveillance,_target_acquisition,_and_reconnaissance#ISR_.28Intelligence.2C_surveillance_and_reconnaissance.29">ISR </a>and SAR camera with ability to see day/night, in poor weather, and from altitudes of <span class="_Tgc">10,000 to 30,000 feet. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE4y3PArOmw">Watch it in action</a>.<b><br /></b></span></li>
<li>The cockpit is equivalent to those on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth-generation_jet_fighter">4th and 5th generation aircraft</a>. </li>
<li>Has advanced avionics and communications that are similar to those of 4th and 5th generation aircraft. </li>
<li> Has ballistic computer to perform computations such as impact point which would then be displayed on a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head-up_display">head-up display.</a><br />
<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSbB4xMfsSCXbCpYr4iHWOWwcf39KcGRkZgnw6BaIgrwRr2NASOvO5sTBKN9OMNP_MiaFWG4u8InuLTIeG5TLZcJ-MHptSavxlZ9nNjYtHyDEYeLez4L7XPRtoHFaZjViknkUELxvJ2w/s1600/Embraer_super_tucano_cockpit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSbB4xMfsSCXbCpYr4iHWOWwcf39KcGRkZgnw6BaIgrwRr2NASOvO5sTBKN9OMNP_MiaFWG4u8InuLTIeG5TLZcJ-MHptSavxlZ9nNjYtHyDEYeLez4L7XPRtoHFaZjViknkUELxvJ2w/s320/Embraer_super_tucano_cockpit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>SNC A-29 Super Tucano Pilot Cockpit<br />Credit: SNC/Embrarer</u></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</li>
</ol>
<li>Armament</li>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkS51R0CMjaXUeEFD6qNvOJI_Q1LeJLHElro8N9TYzsfTNZLOQzWMHlOf0iJroQihvGu0jklQIcTRXAMXcySGipnPtpWEeYIABqAN9LtxQ5F-G4O3W5m6e8mWo-4F1vzSTcKV_x-1zec/s1600/A-28+Arms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1600" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkS51R0CMjaXUeEFD6qNvOJI_Q1LeJLHElro8N9TYzsfTNZLOQzWMHlOf0iJroQihvGu0jklQIcTRXAMXcySGipnPtpWEeYIABqAN9LtxQ5F-G4O3W5m6e8mWo-4F1vzSTcKV_x-1zec/s320/A-28+Arms.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: SNC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AGM-114_Hellfire">Hellfire</a> missile: no need to explain much about this infamous missile. One of the most advanced, top attack, air-to-surface missiles used on the AH-64 Apache, MQ-1 Predator UAV etc...</li>
<li>Hydra with <a href="http://www.baesystems.com/en-us/product/apkws-laser-guided-rocket">APKWS</a>: 70mm missiles with laser guidance improving accuracy to +93% hit rate.</li>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GBU-12_Paveway_II">GBU-12 Paveway II</a>: The Paveway II is a laser guidance kit for bombs used by A-10, B-52, F-111, F-117, F-15, F-
16, F/A-18.</li>
<li>GBU-58 Paveway II: The Paveway II is a laser guidance kit for bombs used by A-10, B-52, F-111, F-117, F-15, F-
16, F/A-18.</li>
<li>The aircraft can also support other types of precision guided bombs, air-to-ground missiles, and air-to-air missiles. </li>
</ol>
<li>Operation Effectiveness</li>
<ol>
<li>To the contrary of a jet fighter, the A-29 can loiter (fly over) the battlefield for up to 8.5 hours (with external fuel tanks); this is compared to 2-3 hours with close-air support jets.</li>
<li>The A-29 can take off from virtually any flat surface that is long enough, it doesn't strictly require a true runway. </li>
</ol>
<li>Operation Cost </li>
<ol>
<li>Thanks to its turbo-propeller engine, the cost-per-flight-hour to fly these compared to a typical jet fighter is fraction of the cost.</li>
<li> Operation cost also involves consumable parts, and air-frame degradation, both of which come at a lower cost than a modern jet.</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<br />
Frequent Statements and Questions:<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>This is a left over by the US Air Force</b><br />Absolutely no. These are manufactured for the Lebanese Air Force. In fact, the US AF is currently evaluating this aircraft in order to obtain it for its counter insurgency operations. Read more <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_Attack/Armed_Reconnaissance">here</a>.</li>
<li><b>This aircraft is very old (or from WWII era) & no longer used because it is turbo-propeller. </b><br />The original EMB 314 was introduce in 2003, so no it is not an "old" aircraft. The aircraft is used by major armies across the world for the specific mission it was made for. Some are probably surprised to see such an advanced cockpit (check up).</li>
<li><b>An AA gun can bring it down</b><br />No, unless it is flying within range of the AA gun. Check the info about altitudes mentioned up. In reality, it is most likely that a non-radar AA gun (commonly operated by insurgents) would be taken out before the operator can even see or hear the aircraft.</li>
<li><b>Instead of advancing we are going back in time. Who uses propeller aircraft anymore?</b><br />Wrong. Air forces with some of the most advanced jets over there are turning to turbo-propeller aircraft for their counter-insurgency and close air support operations. The market is growing with solution such as the Super Tucano, Cessna AC-208B, Air Tractor AT-802, and AT-6 Beechcraft.</li>
<li><b>This is a slow aircraft</b><br />The aircraft is fast and agile. It can reach a maximum speed of 590 km/h. In fact, it has the speed for the mission it is intended for.</li>
<li><b>Only jet fighters like F-16 or F-35 can be effective for the LAF operations</b><br />Sending an aircraft that is expensive to procure and to operate to counter-insurgency proved to be very costly. Consuming the air frame life, expensive spare parts, and expensive jet fuel, have led armies, including the US, to consider aircraft such as the A-29.</li>
<li><b>The A-29 is a toy or joke</b><br />All the details above prove this is not true.</li>
<li><b>This does not stop the Israeli airspace violations</b><br />These aircraft were not procured for this mission. The LAF is battling on different fronts. This aircraft has a specific mission, for which the LAF does not have an option beyond the less heavy Cessna AC-208B. The Israeli airspace violations should have other alternatives.</li>
<li><b>We could have acquired second hand older generation jets</b><br />The technology advancement in the A-29 surpasses any old jet capability.</li>
<li><b>We should have acquired F-16</b><br />If the LAF can afford to procure (buy, train, build facilities, transport etc...) and operate an aircraft such as the F-16, then this point can be discussed. For now, that's a far reach. Beyond, the A-29 would remain the aircraft preferred for the mission it is made for.</li>
<li><b>It took too long to receive them, ISIS is not anymore in Lebanon</b><br />Procuring aircraft is not shopping a car. Moreover, these aircraft are made to order, and those who placed their orders first, have the priority. The real problem is all the causes that lead the LAF to take too long to place an order, on top of which is financing.</li>
<li><b>Propeller aircraft are in general an old technology</b><br />Many modern military (and civil) aircraft still use propellers especially where speed isn't the main concern. Whether a military transport, UAV, or light-attack, turbo/propeller are still providing the power & safety needed for these aircraft to conduct their designed missions. Jet is not equal to modern, like turbo-propeller is not equal to old.</li>
</ol>
<br />
Further reading: <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/full-specs-of-lebanese-a29-super-tucano.html">Full specs of the Lebanese A-29 Super Tucano variant </a><br />
<br />
Recommended explanation video to watch:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tSOlkj38FYA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tSOlkj38FYA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-81952408109753842302017-10-09T14:41:00.005+03:002017-10-09T14:44:03.548+03:00Lebanese Army receives first two A-29 Super Tucano at Hamat AFB<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Lebanese Army officially announced the delivery of two A-29B Super Tucano at Hamat Air Foce base (<a href="https://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/ar/content/%D8%AA%D8%B3%D9%84%D9%85-%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%86%D9%88%D8%B9-a29-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%A8%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88-%D9%87%D8%A8%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%83%D9%8A%D8%A9">Ref</a>). These two aircraft (15-2021 and 15-2022) were spotted on their way to Lebanon in different locations in Europe, details and photos <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/10/first-batch-of-A29-super-tucano-lebanese-air-force.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
These two are the first batch of<a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2015/06/lebanons-29-super-tucano-deal.html"> six A-29 Super Tucano with Hellfire capability</a> ordered in 2015. <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/04/full-specs-of-lebanese-a29-super-tucano.html">This article</a> details all the specifications & capabilities of the Lebanese variant.<br />
<br />
We are expecting the official photos from the LAF and will update this article. An official hand-over ceremony has not been announced either. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-87405051968250133742017-10-06T00:32:00.000+03:002017-10-08T22:10:19.605+03:00First batch of A-29 Super Tucano on its way to Lebanon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span> <br />
Two Lebanese Air Force A-29 Super Tucano were spotted yesterday at Prestwick airport as they were conducting a ferry flight on their way to Lebanon.<br />
Photographer <a href="https://www.airplane-pictures.net/photographer.php?p=1110">David Townsend</a> took these beautiful photos for the 15-2021 and 15-2022 as they were landing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.airplane-pictures.net/photo/972001/15-2021-unknown-embraer-emb-314-super-tucano-a-29a/"><img alt="https://www.airplane-pictures.net/photo/972001/15-2021-unknown-embraer-emb-314-super-tucano-a-29a/" border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="1100" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68tGk6MymRF-iCNLSS_kpL7yO4M6AWIOuEte_iuPC7AZSQkI-WSgyy9mbImd94nv19BM22n-rHwwtj7wbUFDUXhZ3wi80ews9iGxPdqmhroTVdvn7VUmF3EgK3OFENvHIl3qa-u_-rSs/s320/972001.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
View full size <a href="https://www.airplane-pictures.net/photo/972001/15-2021-unknown-embraer-emb-314-super-tucano-a-29a/">on airplane-pictures.net</a>. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.airplane-pictures.net/photo/972005/15-2022-unknown-embraer-emb-314-super-tucano-a-29a/"><img alt="https://www.airplane-pictures.net/photo/972001/15-2022-unknown-embraer-emb-314-super-tucano-a-29a/" border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="1100" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZUYOgW0W4CtEn6M95JQflaJds94IN4fccf-IiqWnmmr6re9rUPSywH1mr5aYdiPa8AXV7rtnfAQC2NVeMbBVvXgmLnhTEHvuUiVjj_C9WtS4hSd-0MXZKfESC02XOjIsU8qxWpfEIX4/s320/972005.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
View full size <a href="https://www.airplane-pictures.net/photo/972005/15-2022-unknown-embraer-emb-314-super-tucano-a-29a/">on airplane-pictures.net</a>. </div>
<span id="goog_1808112013"></span><span id="goog_1808112014"></span><br />
<br />
The two aircraft were later spotted on an unplanned stop due to weather conditions (<a href="https://de-de.facebook.com/AFMeV/posts/1863626546987878">Ref</a>) at Munich Airport by Munich Aviation Spotter while they were on their way to Venice Marco Polo airport; more photos can be found <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/117475497@N08/37262265290/in/photolist-YLJRgQ-Z6jsxU-YLJSoE-YLJT11-YLJRR7-YLJQMy-YLnPR7-Z6cjJS-C49odo-Y55QR1-Z9Qtev-YHZ6Qj-YHZbNL-C1GrF9-YHZbhf-Z3xTtY-C1GrhU-YHZg2f-Y35oKA-Y35ajh-YHZ5hE-YHZ7UJ-YHZ5Ky-C1Gr2U-Y35hxq-Y6C8N8-Z3xVZj-Z7LiyZ-Y6CaBZ-YHZgo7-Z3xVFy-Z7LikT-Z7LiRT-Y6C6S4-YHZgd7-Z7LjGv-Z7Ljcc-Z3xWVh-YHZfN9-Z7Lkzn-Y35s7A-Z7LkaV-C1GyZs-C1GzDo-YHZnyo-C1Gz9A-YHZmNW-Y6CjoB-Z3xVpb-Z7LkM6/">here</a>. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RcKO90CxyxMKanz3paPMI43SHC8MG-O-ghaGX-sTYI2iUoVCRLy9Pely2-HlkzKRfAFtV50hH1aIW1tq5yG-Ln5utFp0bE09YJizgu9vqIiSBalAmjX-zUbCaViQ0TS-bL484FojxVA/s1600/37262263650_205225fe89_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RcKO90CxyxMKanz3paPMI43SHC8MG-O-ghaGX-sTYI2iUoVCRLy9Pely2-HlkzKRfAFtV50hH1aIW1tq5yG-Ln5utFp0bE09YJizgu9vqIiSBalAmjX-zUbCaViQ0TS-bL484FojxVA/s320/37262263650_205225fe89_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/117475497@N08/37262265290/in/photolist-YLJRgQ-Z6jsxU-YLJSoE-YLJT11-YLJRR7-YLJQMy-YLnPR7-Z6cjJS-C49odo-Y55QR1-Z9Qtev-YHZ6Qj-YHZbNL-C1GrF9-YHZbhf-Z3xTtY-C1GrhU-YHZg2f-Y35oKA-Y35ajh-YHZ5hE-YHZ7UJ-YHZ5Ky-C1Gr2U-Y35hxq-Y6C8N8-Z3xVZj-Z7LiyZ-Y6CaBZ-YHZgo7-Z3xVFy-Z7LikT-Z7LiRT-Y6C6S4-YHZgd7-Z7LjGv-Z7Ljcc-Z3xWVh-YHZfN9-Z7Lkzn-Y35s7A-Z7LkaV-C1GyZs-C1GzDo-YHZnyo-C1Gz9A-YHZmNW-Y6CjoB-Z3xVpb-Z7LkM6/">Munich Aircraft Spotter</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These two aircraft along to others were spotted in the past few months around Moody AFB; more info <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/05/photos-videos-of-lebanese-af-29-super.html">here</a>. Lebanon acquired<a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2015/06/lebanons-29-super-tucano-deal.html"> six A-29 Super Tucano with Hellfire capability</a> for $462 millions back in 2015. <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/04/full-specs-of-lebanese-a29-super-tucano.html">This article</a> details all the specifications & capabilities of the Lebanese variant.<br />
<br />
It is a matter of few days before these aircraft arrive to their final home base, and we are all so excited!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-63941095069495596892017-10-02T11:16:00.000+03:002017-10-05T09:02:30.411+03:00Jordan to provide Lebanese Army with 20 additional M60 tanks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i> </i></span> <br />
At least two Lebanese media outlets reported today (Ref <a href="http://www.elnashra.com/news/show/1140487/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%A9:-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%86%D9%8A-%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B2%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AA">1</a>, <a href="https://www.lebanondebate.com/news/352724">2</a>) that Jordan will be supplying Lebanon with additional M60 main battle tanks which would bring the total up to 30 (10 already delivered in 2009). The information comes as the LAF commander is currently on an official visit to Jordan.<br />
<br />
No details on the delivery time-frame or variants are confirmed, but the 10 already delivered were A3 IFCS & TTS variants.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-77555170377281374462017-09-30T10:22:00.002+03:002017-09-30T10:27:04.025+03:00Lebanese Army is replenishing its stock of TOW and Hellfire Missiles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Within two weeks, three orders were placed to procure TOW II and Hellfire II missiles as part of larger contracts to supply other countries. The Lebanese army already effectively use these two missiles for some years now, and were used recently in the Fajr al-Jurud operation against ISIS. <br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>September 18/28 2017: Two orders for an unspecified number of TOW II missiles with completion date in 2018 and 2020 respectively.<br /><b>Contract 1</b><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text">Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, has been
awarded a $292,436,322 modification (PZ0055) to foreign military sales
(Saudi Arabia, <b>Lebanon</b>, Thailand, Bahrain, and Morocco) contract
W31P4Q-12-C-0265 for <b>Tube-launched Optically-tracked Wireless-guided
missiles</b>. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona; and Farmington, New
Mexico, with an estimated completion date of <b>Dec. 31, 2018</b>. Fiscal 2010
foreign military sales funds in the amount of $292,436,322 were
obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command,
Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.</span></blockquote>
<b>Contract 2</b><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text">Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, has been
awarded a $300,088,180 fixed-price-incentive domestic and foreign
military sales (<b>Lebanon</b>, Jordon and Morocco) c<b>ontract for Tube-launched
Optically-tracked Wireless-guided missiles for the Army, Marine Corps
and foreign military sales customers. </b>Bids were solicited via the
Internet with one received. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona;
and Farmington, New Mexico, with an estimated completion date of <b>July
31, 2020</b>. Fiscal 2010, 2015, 2016 and 2017 other procurement (Army);
foreign military sales; and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds
in the combined amount of $300,088,180 were obligated at the time of
the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is
the contracting activity (W31P4Q-17-C-0194).</span></blockquote>
</li>
<li>September 28, 2017: Order for an unspecified number of Hellfire II missiles with expected completion in 2020.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text">Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando,
Florida, has been awarded a $103,287,296 modification (P00060) to
foreign military sales (Croatia, <b>Lebanon</b>, Jordan, and the United Arab
Emirates) contract W31P4Q-15-C-0151 for Hellfire II missile production.
Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, with an estimated completion
date of <b>Sept. 30, 2020</b>. Fiscal 2015, 2016 and 2017 other procurement
(Army) and other funds in the combined amount of $103,287,296 were
obligated at the time of the award. U.S Army Contracting Command,
Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</li>
</ol>
<i>Contracts information quoted from https://www.defense.gov/</i><br />
<br />
It is worth noting that these, and previously <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.in/search/label/TOW-2">ordered/delivered</a> TOW missiles are wirelessly guided to the contrary of what some military experts still describe the TWO missile as "wire-guided". Besides, while we do not know how many Hellfire missiles the LAF has used so far since the first delivery, but its arsenal of Hellfire missile seems to have been growing over the past few years thanks <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.in/search/label/hellfire">to multiple deliveries/contracts</a>. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-27757165449730929452017-09-13T12:10:00.000+03:002017-09-13T12:28:53.703+03:00Lebanese Army is procuring $5 million Datron Communication systems<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i></span><br />
<br />
Datron World Communication Inc. has been awarded a $5.1 million order to supply Lebanon with Datron equipment by January 2018 (<a href="https://govtribe.com/">Ref</a>). The published award does not detail the equipment involved, but Datron manufactures a range of HF and VHF military voice & data communication systems.<br />
<br />
Datron previously supplied the Afghan Army with <a href="http://www.dtwc.com/products/tactical/vhf/prc1077-tactical-manpack">PRC-1077 man-pack VHF radio</a>, <a href="http://www.dtwc.com/products/tactical/vhf/hh7700">HH7700 VHF handheld radio</a>, <a href="http://www.dtwc.com/products/tactical/hf/rt7000">RT-7000 long-range HF radio</a>, and <a href="http://www.dtwc.com/products/tactical/hf/prc1099a">PRC-1099 man-portable HF radio</a>. We would expect that the contract of the Lebanese Army involves some of these models. <br />
<br />
The Lebanese Army has been bolstering its communication capabilities for years now with several contracts with other suppliers such as Harris Corporation, most notably of which is <a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/08/laf-scaleup-tactical-network-communication-harris.html">a recent contract to supply comprehensive in-field tactical networks systems</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-84243377975153573452017-09-07T12:05:00.000+03:002017-09-07T12:05:42.836+03:00LAF to receive $69K worth of NVG accessories by October 2017<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The LAF is set to receive $69.4K worth of night vision devices accessories early October 2017 as part of a larger indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity support contract for the US Department of Defense.<br />
<br />
The contract was awarded to Aviation Specialties Unlimited, Inc. in June 2017. The company does not strictly manufacture aviation NVG however, despite what its name implies. It is unclear what accessories have been ordered, but the company offers a full range of accessories. <br />
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<td width="100%"><br /></td></tr>
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Source: https://govtribe.com<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-88331799575766103312017-08-14T10:20:00.000+03:002017-08-20T16:43:23.275+03:00Lebanese Army receives first 8 M2A2 ODS Bradley<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Lebanese Army officially received today the first 8 of 32 planned M2A2 ODS Bradley during a ceremony at Beirut Port (<a href="https://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/en/content/handover-ceremony-armored-vehicles-and-artillery-ammunition-supplying-vehicles-us">Ref</a>). The vehicles were offered as excess defense articles and were under discussion for a while now (<a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/06/lebanon-32-m2-bradely-A2-ODS.html">Ref</a>).<br />
<br />
Along to the M2 Bradley, 10 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M992_Field_Artillery_Ammunition_Support_Vehicle">M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle</a> were also delivered. These will be complemented later with 28 more M992A2 (<a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/06/lebanese-army-to-receive-50-m109A5.html">Ref</a>) and up to 74 M109A5 Howitzers (<a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/06/lebanese-army-to-receive-50-m109A5.html">Read more</a>).<br />
<br />
This is a big milestone for the Lebanese Army which has been attempting to increase its IFV fleet which consists of only 16 AIFV-B-C25 previously acquired from Belgium (<a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/04/has-time-for-laf-m2-bradley-arrived.html">Read more</a>). For years the acquiring M2 Bradley seemed out of question.<br />
<br />
It is unclear which units will be operating these vehicles at the moment, and it is unlikely to field them shortly in the expected battle against ISIS on the eastern borders.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavlTzNwtHaLQxMhXGKbYQ-Efx5ZyfZXDekU5TTBPP8_pkHJNPpMO60BG0FIALqXqMMYuP-_CzFJxZZyoP2z5DDOMsuTPzj6HqRgtH-16kgK2BOyhfkuNL6Koo5YC_QeC2UnYApzikzek/s1600/20819372_1634864106586049_5188065722934441514_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavlTzNwtHaLQxMhXGKbYQ-Efx5ZyfZXDekU5TTBPP8_pkHJNPpMO60BG0FIALqXqMMYuP-_CzFJxZZyoP2z5DDOMsuTPzj6HqRgtH-16kgK2BOyhfkuNL6Koo5YC_QeC2UnYApzikzek/s320/20819372_1634864106586049_5188065722934441514_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credits: Lebanese Armed Forces (<a href="https://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/en/content/handover-ceremony-armored-vehicles-and-artillery-ammunition-supplying-vehicles-us">Source</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Update:</b><br />
On the same day, BAE Systems was awarded a $8.9 million technical support and sustainment contract for the Bradley vehicles.<br />
<br />
<i><span class="text">BAE Systems Land and Armaments L.P., San Jose,
California, has been awarded an $8,982,981 modification (P00046) to
foreign military sales (Lebanon) contract W56HZV-15-C-0099 for system
technical support and sustainment system technical support for the
Bradley family of vehicles. Work will be performed in San Jose,
California, with an estimated completion date of July 8, 2020. Fiscal
2017 foreign military sales funds in the amount of $8,982,981 were
obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command,
Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="text">https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1279412/</span></i><br />
<i><span class="text"> </span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-33882479181337037732017-08-07T15:18:00.001+03:002017-08-07T15:23:42.568+03:00LAF scales up its communication with a comprehensive in-field tactical networks systems from Harris Corp<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Harris Corporation has been awarded a ~5.2 million USD contract to supply Lebanon with advanced networking/communication systems for both personnel and vehicles (<a href="http://government-contracts.insidegov.com/">Source</a>). The contract would supply the Lebanese Army with:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>68 <a href="https://www.harris.com/solution/harris-falcon-iii-rf-7850m-hh-multiband-networking-handheld">Harris Falcon III RF-7850M-HH Multiband Networking Handheld</a> with installation kits</li>
<li>34 <a href="https://www.harris.com/solution/harris-rf-7800i-tactical-intercom-networking-system">Harris RF-7800I Tactical Networking Intercom System</a> with vehicle installation</li>
<li>4 Laptops</li>
<li>1 <a href="https://www.harris.com/solution/harris-rf-7800n-sw1xx-hmanager-software-suite">Harris RF-7800N-SW1xx hManager Software Suite.</a></li>
<li>Spares, training, maintenance test bench </li>
</ul>
<u><b>Description of the Systems</b></u><br />
The RF-7800N hManager is a command and control software solution for tactical communications. It is a set of tools for planning, configuring, deploying, and monitoring wideband tactical networks.<br />
<br />
The Harris RF-7800I is a vehicle intercom system, it "delivers clear voice and data between crew members within
the limited confines of military vehicles traveling in harsh conditions". The below illustrates on a typical installation: <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="undefined" class="mfp-img" src="https://www.harris.com/sites/default/files/images/solution/rf-7800i-tactical-intercom-networking-system-2a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 562px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credits: Harris Corporation (<a href="https://www.harris.com/solution/harris-rf-7800i-tactical-intercom-networking-system">Source</a>)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Falcon III RF-7850M-HH "connects forces in an ad-hoc,
self-forming, self-healing network, allowing users on a net to
simultaneously communicate voice and time-critical Situational Awareness
(SA)."<br />
<br />
That's a solid upgrade & new capability for the Lebanese Army communication capabilities. The small number of items would limit fielding these systems to specific units, most likely SOF. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-31862902387524757352017-08-07T15:00:00.000+03:002017-08-07T17:15:27.204+03:00Lebanese Army to receive additional M121 120mm mortars starting 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Watervliet Arsenal has received a contract to supply the Lebanese Army with an unspecified number of M121 120mm mortars barrels and assemblies worth $615,000 (<a href="http://www.troyrecord.com/general-news/20170728/arsenal-receives-35m-in-contracts-to-support-afghan-iraqi-lebanese-militaries">Reference</a>). On average that amount would supply 30 mortar units, but that's a rough estimation.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-35359775945941106812017-06-27T16:43:00.000+03:002017-06-29T11:54:20.251+03:00LAF expects 200 MK19 Automatic Grenade Launchers & 5,212 M16A2 rifles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
According to US Congressional notifications from DSCA on March 21, and 22, 2017,
Lebanese Army is expected to receive a grant of 200 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mk_19_grenade_launcher">MK19 40mm Automatic Grenade Launchers</a> & 5,212 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M16_rifle#M16A2">M16A2 rifles</a> under the
EDA program. The M16A2 grant is valued at $390,379, while that of the MK19 is valued at $3,064,000.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRl_gvyXEIVHNpvce6VwCM4v9023BEzU3eMpq-9wDxxy0TzaqR7cs3XdJ28pNnpvtnM0TkYaXUtXs9w5b-R6typrPY_TmQgcIH28h73arcwcK7prqxIap4pvX6KbJuFF7Yuo9-tBkgc9U/s1600/800px-MK19-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="800" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRl_gvyXEIVHNpvce6VwCM4v9023BEzU3eMpq-9wDxxy0TzaqR7cs3XdJ28pNnpvtnM0TkYaXUtXs9w5b-R6typrPY_TmQgcIH28h73arcwcK7prqxIap4pvX6KbJuFF7Yuo9-tBkgc9U/s200/800px-MK19-02.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MK19 Grenade Launcher (Source: http://www.peosoldier.army.mil/)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /> </div>
<br />
The LAF already operates both weapons for some years now. The M16 and M4 are the standard rifles among the absolute majority of the LAF units. As part of the latest M16 deliveries, <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2014/10/lebanese-army-receives-100-hellfire.html">the US delivered</a> 1500 M16A4 back in 2014.<br />
<br />
Source of Info: https://cha.house.gov/<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-52901720876156016992017-06-27T16:42:00.001+03:002017-08-12T23:32:34.778+03:00LAF expected to receive even more M109A5 & M992A2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
According to US Congressional notifications from DSCA on May 16, 2017, Lebanese Army is expected to receive a grant of "up to" 50 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M109_howitzer">M109A5 Howitzers</a> along to 28 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M992_Field_Artillery_Ammunition_Support_Vehicle">M992A2</a> Field Ammunition Support Vehicles under the EDA program. The grant is valued at $5,502,083.<br />
<br />
Lebanon <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/03/laf-set-to-receive-24-m109a5-10-m992.html">is already expecting</a> 24 M109A5 and 10 M992 as EDA; it is not clear whether this new grant is completely separate from the previous authorization or an extension of it. Besides the LAF already operates 12x M109A2 <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2015/02/lebanon-officially-receives-previously.html">received</a> back in 2015 through transfer from Jordan.<br />
<br />
<br />
Source of Info: https://cha.house.gov/<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-10036553948025098202017-06-27T16:42:00.000+03:002017-06-29T12:02:57.127+03:00LAF expects 1,800 M240B machine guns under EDA program<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
According to US Congressional notifications from DSCA on May 03, 2017,
Lebanese Army is expected to receive a grant of 1,800 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M240_machine_gun">M240B machine guns</a> under the
EDA program. The grant is valued $1,426,860.<br />
<br />
On May 05, 2017, the Lebanese Army <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/05/laf-takes-delivery-of-m2-m240-and-m249.html">took a delivery</a> of 171x M240 machine guns along to other machines guns. The two grants appear to be separate given the time-frame of execution.<br />
<br />
Source of Info: https://cha.house.gov/<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-66167155135185690172017-06-07T16:10:00.002+03:002017-06-07T16:16:06.169+03:00Lebanon's expected 32 M2 Bradley IFVs will be A2 ODS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://laf-digest.blogspot.nl/2017/05/lebanese-army-expects-32-m2-bradley-ifv.html">As previously reported</a>, the Lebanese Army is expecting 32 M2 Bradley IFVs. As an update, based on <a href="https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-114hhrg22432/html/CHRG-114hhrg22432.htm">information during US House hearing session</a> held in February 2016, it is confirmed that the variant will be the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M2_Bradley#M2A2_ODS.2FODS-E">M2A2 ODS</a>.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<pre>Finally, Army is analyzing proposals to transfer <b>32 M2A2 ODS
Bradley Fighting Vehicles (BFV)</b> and 12 OH-58D Kiowa Helicopters to
Lebanon via the Counter-terrorism Partnership Fund (CTPF) by Fiscal
Year 2017.
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-114hhrg22432/html/CHRG-114hhrg22432.htm</pre>
</blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-30967452786389389672017-06-03T16:10:00.001+03:002017-06-03T16:10:32.457+03:00Embrarer is finishing the last of Lebanon's 6 A-29 Super Tucano<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
According to <a href="http://www.janes.com/article/71074/embraer-completing-final-aircraft-in-super-tucano-order-for-lebanon">a report from Janes</a>, Embrarer/SNC is completing the last aircraft from Lebanon's order of 6 A-29 Super Tucano. The reports confirms what<a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/05/photos-videos-of-lebanese-af-29-super.html"> we expected before</a> regarding the 4 aircraft currently at Moody AFB for training.<br />
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The first batch of aircraft are expected to start arriving in Lebanon by fall 2017. <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/2017/05/photos-videos-of-lebanese-af-29-super.html">Earlier this year</a>, photos & videos of the Lebanese A-29 during training surfaced online showing 3 different aircraft.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302973520163266715.post-21014983328260803522017-05-30T15:07:00.000+03:002017-05-31T15:59:57.082+03:00LAF receives first of 15 VAB HOT and a batch of HOT missiles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Lebanese Army received today the first batch of a total of 15 <a href="http://www.armyrecognition.com/france_french_army_vehicle_missile_systems_uk/vab_hot_mephisto_anti-tank_missile_launcher_4x4_armored_vehicle_technical_data_sheet_specifications.html">VAB HOT</a> (<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">VCAC Mephisto</span>), a variant of the VAB APC with HOT missiles launcher turret featuring 4 launcher tubes. In addition, the first batch of, possibly, hundreds of HOT missiles along to other ammunition, spare parts and 10 K9 dogs.<br />
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This first delivery included five VAB vehicles, three of which are meant to be for spare parts (<a href="https://lb.ambafrance.org/Remise-d-equipements-a-l-armee-libanaise">ref</a>). It is not clear how many HOT missiles were delivered exactly in this first batch, but there were at least 64 missiles on display based on the released photos.<br />
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This represents another donation by the French government, valued at nearly 15 million EURs. A previous donation in 2016 provided Milan AGTM missiles and other equipment also valued at 15 million EURs.<br />
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This is the first time the LAF operates the VAB HOT variant, these platforms were specifically selected to fit the needs & challenges faced on the borders with Syria.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZMPaxRnH77oftU5IEsPYt17KbGFrQdzGVuhHbPSR0nY__Z1rPrtYbJGRfBgMcSwXKxNIqbr2cEvn5X_hAPVB56MAoRHG9NbAZHczV-3vakF0o20Q0gtYuodPLmvxTJkrGihUL_DRsd0/s1600/DBD-m4qXgAEtSVk.jpg+orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZMPaxRnH77oftU5IEsPYt17KbGFrQdzGVuhHbPSR0nY__Z1rPrtYbJGRfBgMcSwXKxNIqbr2cEvn5X_hAPVB56MAoRHG9NbAZHczV-3vakF0o20Q0gtYuodPLmvxTJkrGihUL_DRsd0/s200/DBD-m4qXgAEtSVk.jpg+orig.jpg" width="150" /> </a></div>
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Photo Credit: <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbaFranceLiban/status/869474836153872393">French Embassy</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article first appeared on <a href="http://laf-digest.blogspot.com/">LAF Digest (Unofficial)</a></i> </span></div>
LAF Digest (Unofficial)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01052374591952688753noreply@blogger.com0