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

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.

Saudi Arabia, France sign the 3 Billion USD arms deal for Lebanon

In the presence of Lebanese Army commander Gen. Jean Kahwagi, Saudi and France signed the 3 Billion USD arms deal for the Lebanese Army in Riyadh, today November 4, 2014.

We had previous covered this deal in multiple blogs, more details here.

A two-edged sword: long deliveries VS immediate need

The LAF has been trying to expedite arms deals and deliveries due to the risk of  an eruption of another battle with ISIS and Nusra Front. Deals such as the 3 US Billion French-Saudi-Lebanese arming agreement and the Russian 500 US million have been struck by long delivery terms for some important equipment, which have either  led to opting for a (older) lesser capability alternative (already available in stock) or totally not including that type of equipment in the list (i.e. Tanks in the French deal).

To ensure acquiring decent equipment with money readily available in the hands (which is not always the case), the LAF can opt to acquire the more advanced, longer delivery terms, equipment, and as part of the same contract lease equipment available in stock until actual deliveries are made. This approach has been done by several countries and it would ensure that the "valuable" fund has been used for a good value.