The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of approximately $100 million worth of aircraft maintenance and related military equipment to Lebanon.
This announcement was made on Friday (July 11) by the Pentagon.
In a statement, the Pentagon said that the proposed sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. Lebanon continues to be an important partner in the Middle East for promoting political stability and economic progress.
The deal is expected to further strengthen the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces, who last November demonstrated their effectiveness in enforcing the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. These forces are currently deployed in southern Lebanon.
Included in the agreement are A-29 Super Tucano fighter aircraft, primarily used for close air support operations, reconnaissance, and intelligence-gathering missions.
The main contractor for this project is Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), headquartered in Sparks, Nevada, USA. No U.S. government personnel or contractors will be required to be deployed to Lebanon under this deal.
It is anticipated that this agreement will increase U.S. influence in Lebanon’s security infrastructure. The Pentagon also stated that it will have no adverse effect on U.S. defense readiness.
