Washington: The US State Department has given the green light for a potential foreign military sale to Lebanon, valued at an estimated $100 million. The sale includes A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft, as detailed in a recent statement by the US State Department.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency has delivered the necessary certification to Congress, notifying them about the proposed sale. The Lebanese government had requested the purchase of support equipment and other logistical elements, which will augment a previously implemented case.
The initial Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case was valued at $43.7 million and included a variety of components such as Cartridge Actuated Devices and Propellent Actuated Devices (CAD/PADs), engine parts, aircraft engine and ground handling equipment, and other necessary aircraft components and accessories. The total estimated cost, now reaching $100 million, also covers software delivery, technical documentation, and various support services.
The statement emphasized the strategic importance of this sale, noting that it aligns with the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by bolstering the security of a key partner in the Middle East. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have been actively deployed to southern Lebanon to uphold the November 2024 cessation of hostilities, and the A-29 sustainment will aid in maintaining this critical aircraft for operations such as Close Air Support and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance.
Furthermore, the statement assured that Lebanon would have no difficulty integrating this equipment and associated services into its armed forces. It also confirmed that the proposed sale would not disrupt the military balance in the region.