U.S. State Department: Washington is determined to enhance the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces to enable it to more effectively consolidate ...

The U.S. State Department has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) as a central pillar of Lebanon’s sovereignty and security. Over the past two decades, the United States has invested more than $3 billion in military assistance to the LAF, enhancing its capacity to counter internal and external threats, secure borders, and uphold regional stability. This support has included the provision of advanced equipment such as A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, armored vehicles, and maritime patrol boats, as well as extensive training programs for Lebanese military personnel.

Recent initiatives include the delivery of three U.S.-made Protector Class Patrol Boats to bolster Lebanon’s maritime security. Additionally, the U.S. has authorized the transfer of over $82 million in defense articles through Direct Commercial Sales since 2014, with a focus on fire control systems, military electronics, and firearms. Institutional capacity-building efforts, led by the Institute for Security Governance, have also supported the LAF’s ability to sustain and integrate U.S.-donated capabilities.

The U.S. has also prioritized legal and operational professionalization, including the development of a cadre of legal advisors trained in international humanitarian law and human rights. These efforts align with broader U.S. objectives to counter terrorism, stabilize Lebanon’s southern border, and support the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions.