The British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell oversaw the handover of 60 tonnes of spare parts and tyres for Land Rovers at the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Logistics Base in Kfarshema on Wednesday. This contribution – worth £2 million – underscores the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the LAF in their efforts to maintain stability and security. The package of 225 engines, 737 brand new tyres, and essential Land Rover spare parts will facilitate the servicing, repairs, and maintenance of over 440 military vehicles. This will strengthen operational readiness, mobility and road safety for the Land Border Regiments. The UK has donated 100 Armoured Patrol Vehicles to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to tackle the threat from terrorism on its border with Syria, which is frequently used by violent extremists and smugglers.
Ambassador Cowell said: “I am proud the UK is able to contribute to the Lebanese Armed Forces’ resilience and operational readiness. The LAF plays a critical role, under the leadership of General Joseph Aoun, in safeguarding Lebanon and its people amid the prevailing challenges, especially with the ongoing cross border fighting in South Lebanon. The equipment is vital for the operations of the Land Border Regiments tasked with securing Lebanon’s borders and combating smuggling and terrorist activities. The UK reaffirms its commitment to supporting the LAF and to strengthening Lebanon’s security and stability.”
The Lebanese border is also used by international arms and drugs smugglers, with the illicit substances and arms then transited through the country and onto other parts of the world. Supporting the LAF and promoting security and stability in the region during a time of economic crisis is also crucial to reinforcing the LAF’s ability to defend the state of Lebanon from a range of threats. A small specialist team from 16 Air Assault Brigade deployed to meet the vehicles on arrival in Beirut and have delivered an initial round of vehicle training to the LAF. This training will continue in the spring to ensure the LAF can get the very best tactical and operational effect from them. The Conflict Security and Stability fund is also providing £300,000 for spare parts for the vehicles.
The Revised Weapons Mounted Installation Kit (RWMIK) Land Rovers, which are capable of tackling the rugged Syrian border terrain and can be mounted with heavy weapons, have been given to the LAF’s Land Border Regiments (LBRs) that patrol the area. This allows them to keep closer watch over their borders and stop extremists trying to enter Lebanon, who could otherwise then attempt to travel on to Europe. The RWMIKs are being taken out of service by the British Military this year after a long and successful period on UK operations around the globe, including in Iraq and Afghanistan. The donation builds on significant support already provided to Lebanon by the UK, including the construction of 79 border towers, provision of 350 vehicles, and training over 23,000 LAF personnel.
