U.S. Delivers Six Attack Helicopters to Lebanese Army
The U.S. ambassy in Lebanon on Tuesday delivered six MD-530F+ Light Attack Helicopters to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Air Force.
"Since 2017, the U.S. military teams have worked closely with the LAF to ensure the capabilities of these aircrafts would fill mission requirements and enhance the operational capacity of the LAF in providing for Lebanon’s security. Today, we are not only formally inaugurating these helicopters, valued at over $40 million dollars, but we are welcoming them as the newest additions of the LAF’s air fleet," U.S. ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea said at a ceremony at Hamat Airbase.
"This helicopter is the first light attack helicopter of its kind to integrate APKWS missiles and live downlink of targeting data," Shea stressed, adding that "this technology showcases the LAF’s increasing levels of combat capabilities."
"We are also recognizing the LAF pilots and technicians who completed training on these aircraft in preparation for their deployment in the field. These officers join a cadre of top performing LAF personnel, who have benefitted from U.S.-sponsored training and education, and this is such an important part of our bilateral cooperation. Bravo for the performance," Shea went on to say.
The U.S. ambassador emphasized that both the helicopter delivery and training graduation, represent "the enduring partnership between Lebanon and the United States."
She said that the United States recently announced an additional $67 million in annual Foreign Military Financing support for this year 2021. "This is in addition to the $120 million that we had already set aside for Lebanon bringing the total to $187 million for this year."
Shea also expressed her country's commitment to pursuing additional ways to help the LAF.
"We know your country is going through difficult times, your people are experiencing very difficult economic circumstances and many of you yourselves are. We are working aggressively to help find solutions to those problems, and I would include in that also our friends and colleagues in the Internal Security Forces. We recognize the vital role that you play in securing and protecting Lebanon," Shea said.
Source: Naharnet
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