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)

France delivers second batch of VAB Mephisto to Lebanese Army

France delivered its second batch of VAB HOT to the Lebanese Army on November 27, 2018 (Ref). The delivery included:

1. 10x VAB HOT
2. 2x VAB HOT simulators
3. 96x HOT missiles 

 This is the second delivery after the 15 vehicles delivered in 2017.

This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)

LAF receives first of 15 VAB HOT and a batch of HOT missiles

The Lebanese Army received today the first batch of a total of 15 VAB HOT (VCAC Mephisto), 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.

This first delivery included five VAB vehicles, three of which are meant to be for spare parts (ref). 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.

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.

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.

 

Photo Credit: French Embassy

 

This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)