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)

Lebanese Air Force to receive 6 MD 530G helicopters and 6 ScanEagle UAVs

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:

1. Six MD 530G light attack helicopters
2. Six ScanEagle UAVs
3. Communication, electronic, and night vision equipment

The Lebanese Air Force already operates an unspecified number of ScanEagle UAVs (ref) 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.

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 Moog Weapons Stores Management 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.

"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.

https://lb.usembassy.gov/centcom-commander-general-joseph-votels-visit-lebanon/
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This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)

LAF to receive $69K worth of NVG accessories by October 2017

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.

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.
Source: https://govtribe.com
This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)