LAF receives 16 Milan launchers and 48 Milan F2A missiles as part of DONAS

The Lebanese Army received today morning 16 Milan F1 launchers and 48 Milan F2A missiles during a ceremony at Beirut Airbase. This marks the first of a series of deliveries related to the DONAS agreement.

Lebanon already operates Milan, but the missiles provided in this delivery are considered a leap in the capabilities. The Milan F2A has tandem shaped-charge warheads and was introduced in 1993. Future deliveries will include Milan launchers with night capabilities; however, it is worth noting that Milan 1427-12-157-0800 launchers which were delivered today are compatible with MIRA thermal sight.

Some photos below from today's ceremony, courtesy to Reuters and AP (Click to Enlarge)

First batch of DONAS agreement arms to be delivered on April 20, 2015

The Lebanese Army has officially announced that Monday April 20, 2015 will mark the first delivery of the Saudi-French-Lebanese arming agreement, better known as DONAS. According to the agenda of the official ceremony, there is a 10 minutes presentation by the commander of the Anti-Armor regiment, which confirms earlier expectations that the first delivery will include 48 Milan missiles along to their launchers.

France's Defense Ministry: The Lebanese Armed Forces modernization program is now launched

The French Defense Ministry announced today that the The Lebanese Armed Forces modernization program (DONAS agreement) is now effectively launched following the first installment payment. The agreement according to the statement includes armored vehicles, warships, attack helicopters, munitions and communications gear. The statement confirms previous information that the 1st deliveries will take place during April 2015 (Ref).

Big congratulations to the Lebanese Army, and the Lebanese people.

armored vehicles, warships, attack helicopters, munitions and communications gear. - See more at: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2015/Feb-25/288702-france-says-it-will-begin-arms-shipments-to-lebanon-in-april.ashx#sthash.x9Tl1XcV.dpuf

armored vehicles, warships, attack helicopters, munitions and communications gear. - See more at: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2015/Feb-25/288702-france-says-it-will-begin-arms-shipments-to-lebanon-in-april.ashx#sthash.x9Tl1XcV.dpuf

armored vehicles, warships, attack helicopters, munitions and communications gear. - See more at: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2015/Feb-25/288702-france-says-it-will-begin-arms-shipments-to-lebanon-in-april.ashx#sthash.x9Tl1XcV.dpuf

armored vehicles, warships, attack helicopters, munitions and communications gear. - See more at: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2015/Feb-25/288702-france-says-it-will-begin-arms-shipments-to-lebanon-in-april.ashx#sthash.x9Tl1XcV.dpuf

armored vehicles, warships, attack helicopters, munitions and communications gear. - See more at: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2015/Feb-25/288702-france-says-it-will-begin-arms-shipments-to-lebanon-in-april.ashx#sthash.x9Tl1XcV.dpuf

armored vehicles, warships, attack helicopters, munitions and communications gear. - See more at: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2015/Feb-25/288702-france-says-it-will-begin-arms-shipments-to-lebanon-in-april.ashx#sthash.x9Tl1XcV.dpuf

Lebanon's CAESAR SP Howitzers are 24 and need at least 15 months

Jane's reported that Lebanon is expected to receive its 24 CAESAR Self-Propelled Howitzers after at least 15 months from finalizing the DONAS deal. These CAESAR howitzers are expected to be in standard French Army configuration.

LAF will acquire DVF 2000 mini UAV through DONAS agreement

According to SDA Weekly Issue 64, the Lebanese Air Force will acquire around 7 DVF 2000 mini UAVs through the DONAS agreement.

The DVF 2000 is a short-rang mini UAV able to operate up to a distance of 25Km for 1.5-2 hours (ref). The UAV can operate fully autonomous following a flight plan.

The Lebanese Air Force currently operates12 RQ-11 Raven miniature UAVs previously supplied during 2009 by the US; these UAVs are still under an active maintenance & logistics agreement.

DVF 2000 Composition

Lebanon ditches acquiring more Gazelle helicopters through DONAS

According to Riad Kahwaji (Chairman at SD Arabia), Lebanon has ditched the plans to acquire more armed Gazelle helicopters through the DONAS agreement. The Lebanese Air Force has decided to stick to the expected OH-58 Kiowa as the main close air support platform. Instead of acquiring more Gazelle helicopters, the Lebanese Air Force will overhaul and upgrade the existing fleet (ref).

Lebanon to Acquire SIMBAD RC from MBDA

According to Security & Defense Arabia (Issue: 59) Lebanon will acquire SIMBAD RC under the DONAS agreement (Ref) to be installed on the expected FS 56 crafts.

Technical annex of the DONAS agreement has been finalized

Following the preliminary agreement signed on November 5, 2014. The Lebanese and French sides have concluded a 10,000 papers detailed technical annex that includes the final list of arms, according to the Lebanese daily Assafir (Ref). This technical annex will be signed by the LAF Chief, General Qahwaji, and the head of ODAS, in the coming days in Beirut, which will then require a review and signature by Saudi Arabia.

We will not comment on the types of arms mentioned in the several articles in different Lebanese newspapers until things are more confirmed.

No Exocet on the Lebanese Navy FS 56

Some news reports are indicating that the expected Lebanese Navy FS 56 will not come armed with Exocet anti-ship missiles.

The ships are however equipped 76mm gun turret as main armament, and 2 Narwhal 20A remotely controlled cannons.

Possible French UAVs for Lebanese Air Force

Some news sources indicated the possibility of Lebanese Air Force to acquire SAGEM Sperwer UAV through the French-Saudi-Lebanese armament agreement (DONAS).