Army Receives Cessna Aircraft from United States
The Lebanese Armed Forces received on Monday an armed Cessna aircraft from the United States as part of a vital aspect of the cooperation between the two countries.
“U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard participated in a ceremony to celebrate the delivery of an armed Cessna aircraft to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), highlighting the U.S. commitment to Lebanon’s security,” a US embassy statement said.
Ambassador Richard said: “The U.S. is proud to deliver this Cessna, the third in the LAF air force,” and she reaffirmed the strength of the multi-faceted security partnership with Lebanon.
The U.S. delivered the aircraft as part of a “total package” that includes maintenance support and training, with a combined value of approximately $30 million. The Cessna is equipped with HELLFIRE missiles and a day/night targeting system. The aircraft will help the LAF to conduct border security missions, combat threats from extremist groups, and support LAF ground troops.
United States assistance to the Lebanese army is a vital aspect of the cooperation between the two countries. The United States remains committed to strengthening the capacity of the LAF to secure Lebanon’s borders, defend the sovereignty of the state and maintain overall security.
“We are here today to mark the delivery of an armed Cessna aircraft—the third for the Lebanese Armed Forces. The United States is very proud to be part of supporting the LAF, particularly today,” said Richard.
“Over several years of close military-to-military engagements, we have seen the Lebanese Army develop into a trusted U.S. partner and a major contributor to stability in Lebanon and the region. This partnership is strong now. We share fundamental goals with the Lebanese Armed Forces—border protection, internal security and counter-terrorism, to name a few. And we will continue to work together on those fronts,” added the ambassador.
Richard continued to say: “We know that the challenges facing Lebanon are serious. There are security, political, economic and humanitarian issues, many of them deriving from the conflict in Syria. The new Lebanese government must lead in addressing these problems. But the United States is ready and willing to support Lebanon’s legitimate institutions and its people each step of the way. For this reason, we will continue to stand by the LAF.”
Source: Naharnet
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