The United States delivered on Tuesday six MD-530F+ Light Attack Helicopters to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to enhance their operational capacity in providing for Lebanon’s security.
At the Hamat Airbase in north Lebanon, Ambassador Dorothy Shea delivered the helicopters in the presence of LAF commander General Joseph Aoun.
“The helicopter delivery represents the enduring partnership between Lebanon and the United States,” the Ambassador emphasized.
Shea revealed that Washington will continue to offer assistance to Lebanon's Armed Forces.
“We remain committed to pursuing additional ways that we can help the LAF, and I include in that the LAF soldiers,” she said, adding that the US recently announced an additional $67 million in annual Foreign Military Financing support for the year 2021.
The MD-530F+ helicopter is the first light attack helicopter of its kind to integrate APKWS missiles and live downlink targeting data.
For his part, General Aoun said this occasion “renews the process of effective cooperation and friendship between the Lebanese Army and the US.”
He stressed that during his recent visit to Washington he sensed a consensus on the continued support to the Lebanese army.
