Huey II helicopters to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

BEIRUT: As part of their military aid program, the US recently donated three Huey II multi-mission helicopters to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), with a half-dozen MD-530 scout choppers soon to follow. It’s a strong signal that, while the transition from Trump to Biden has froze arms exports to the UAE, US support for Lebanon remains strong.

Valued at over $32 million, the Huey II deal includes spare parts, logistical support, training of pilots and technicians, and administrative expenses. The value of the MD-530 donation is as yet unannounced.

“This equipment, like donations we have made before, directly contributes to the professional capabilities of the LAF, ensuring its operational readiness to defend Lebanon and its people,” US Ambassador Dorothy Shea said in a statement.

The new helos, which form a critical part of Lebanon’s border and land security operations, will be fitted with 7.62 mm machine guns and rocket launchers, as already equipped on the Huey I, the commander of the Lebanese Air Force, Brig. Gen. Ziad Haykal, told Breaking D.

“The Army Command is also in the process of arming the new systems with 7.62mm Gatling machine guns and 70mm rocket launchers, with the project already reaching its final stages,” he said. He added that C4ISR systems will include encrypted Tetra communication devices to connect the helicopters’ radio comms with the army’s network and GPS navigation devices to facilitate the air navigation process.

A dozen Huey IIs already in Lebanese service have accumulated 8,500 flight hours in airborne, transport and health evacuation missions and was heavily used in campaigns against terrorism, including the Fajr Al-Joroud Operation along the Lebanese-Syrian border in 2017.

The Lebanese Air Force already has 12 Huey II helicopters; the latest US donation brings the force to 15, but the hope is to add another nine. Overall, Haykal said, “the plan is to double the Huey II number, reaching a total of 24 units, after taking the Huey I out of the service.”

The LAF originally had 24 Huey Is, but only 13 remain operational: 10 were decommissioned due to age and one suffered a major air accident.

The Air Force is also set to receive six brand new MD-530 light scout attack helicopters in October or November 2021 as part of the same aid program.

“The manufacturing of the six helicopters was fully completed in the US back in December 2020, and work is now underway to train Lebanese pilots and technicians in batches over two stages,” Haykal said.

“In stage one, the first batch ended its training in late January 2021, while the second is currently being trained, with the phase expected to be completed in end of April,” he explained. “Stage two includes training on launching APKWS laser-guided missiles and should end in September 2021.”

Since 2006, United States Government assistance to the LAF has surpassed $2 billion.

This comes at at time where Lebanon is boosting its C4ISR capabilities through a plan that links reconnaissance aircraft of all kinds with functional cutting operations rooms on one hand, and the army, air force and navy command operations rooms on the other.

Air Force photo

An MD-530 operated by US advisors over Afghanistan in 2016.

Special Operations Visitors

This move comes on the heels of a significant visit by the commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command Central, Rear Admiral Frank M. Bradley, who reiterated American support to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

“For many years we have had a strong and enduring relationship with the LAF and their special forces,” Rear Admiral Bradley said in a statement. “Maintaining this relationship is essential in promoting trust and legitimacy.”

“The timing of the visit is substantial as the country seeks to protect its land and borders from threatening security issues and build capabilities for oil exploration projects in its regional waters,” said a spokesman from the Lebanese Army’s Directorate of Orientation (DOO).

Placing great hopes to the visit, the Lebanese Army looks forward to seeing its positive effects on all areas of cooperation, including support to combat, logistical and medical units, “which would ultimately raise their operational readiness to the highest levels,” he added.

To Lebanese Retired General Fadi Daoud, commander of Fajr Al-Joroud Operation, the visit holds many meanings.

“On one hand, it shows that Lebanon is amongst the countries that the US cares to maintain cooperation with,” he said. “It is a clear message that they will continue enhancing the Lebanese Army’s training and combat capabilities under the new administration.”

“On the other hand, the visit signifies the trust of the US government in the Lebanese army. If you look back at Fajr Al-Joroud Operation, the US armament played a huge role in settling the battle. In other words, it makes them feel that our army is worth investing in especially when dealing with vital issues such as combatting terrorism.”

During Fajr Al-Joroud Operation, the Lebanese Army heavily used the Scan Eagle unmanned aircraft, 4×4 Humvees, M113 armored personnel carriers, and other US-provided weapons against Daesh (ISIS) positions on the outskirts of al-Qaa and Ras Baalbek, killing 35 militants in the process.

The ongoing relationship includes training, new weapons and equipment, and joint exercises.

On the training level, “many Lebanese soldiers attended specialized courses in the US, and now possess advanced capabilities in their work field,” the DOO spokesman explained. “The US authorities also established several training facilities within the Special Forces regiments significantly enhancing their capabilities.”

The US regularly provides Lebanese special forces with equipment and weapons – through the military aid program – including M4 rifles, MK-19 automatic grenade launchers, and Bradley combat vehicles.

Recent deliveries included 827 Copperhead artillery rounds worth more than $1.4 million “to fill the shortage of such ammo after being heavily used to defeat ISIS during Fajr Al-Joroud Operation,” the spokesman said, adding that these types of yearly aids are essential to maintaining the level and readiness of our special units, especially in facing terrorism.

The two forces conduct many joint exercises, with “works now underway on the yearly Resolute Response exercise, in participation of the Navy, Air Force and the Commando Brigade,” the spokesperson said, adding that its purpose is to train Lebanese units on raiding a ship controlled by terrorist groups, and how to eliminate terrorists while preserving the lives of innocent people.