Significant deliveres during Q1/Q2 2019 further bolser LAF capabilities

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:

1. France
1. 10x VAB HOT (Ref)
   Note:25x were received in 2017 & 2018 (More here and here)
2. VAB HOT simulator(s) (Ref)
   Note: At least 2 were delivered in 2018 (Ref)
2. USA
1. Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) (Ref)
   Note: 2000x ordered in 2105 along to A29 Super Tucano, read more here.
2. 6x Boeing Instu ScanEagle UAVs (Ref)
   Note: Ordered in 2017, read more here.
3. Oshkosh M1070 with M1000 semi-trailers (Ref)
4. Unspecified number of night-vision goggles and communication devices (Ref)

A waiting list of delivers exists with some already long overdue such as the M109A5.
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.

This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)

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)