The delivery ceremony of 2 Super Tucano aircrafts to the LAF in the Hamat Airbase
With the presence of the Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun, the Commander of the Air Force in the US Central Command, Lieutenant General Jeffrey L. Harrigian and US Ambassador Elizabeth Richard who was heading a delegation from the embassy as well as several officers and journalists, the ceremony ceremony of 2 Super Tucano A-29 aircrafts to the LAF from the US authorities in the Hamat Airbase.
The ceremony started with the US and Lebanese anthems. Afterwards, the Commander of the Lebanese Air Force Brigadier General P.S.C Ziad Haykal presented a briefing about the capabilities of the Super Tucanos as well as their combat and surveillance characteristics.
Furthermore, General Aoun delivered a speech in which he expressed his appreciation to the US authorities for this valuable aid and all previous other military aid that had a role in supporting the efforts of the LAF in fighting terrorism, reaching the Dawn of the Outskirts battle. Moreover, General Aoun commended the main role played by the Air Force in participation with the Artillery Regiment in putting an end to this battle in the fastest possible way and least possible damage. General Aoun also confirmed that the LAF will continue to equip the army with the appropriate weapons and equipment so that it is capable in any circumstance of defending Lebanon’s borders and guaranteeing its security and stability. General Aoun stated that the LAF was never in a position of attack or assault. It was rather in a position of defense of Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty, independence and safety. Therefore, any military aid offered to the army comes in the right place because it serves these national goals as well as international and regional stability and in the participation of Lebanon in the International coalition against terrorism. Concerning its recent visit to the USA, General Aoun extended his appreciation to the US officials he had met for their welcoming attitude and attention as well as their preparedness to meet the needs of the army and develop the aid program.
Furthermore, Ambassador Richard delivered a speech on the occasion in which she stated that this military aid confirms the firm ties between the USA and Lebanon and the partnership based on the interests on both friend countries. Ms. Richard also stated that the US aid focuses on three pillars: advancing capabilities through Training and Engagement; the transfer of high tech military equipment to build the Army’s capability. Ms. Richard commended the competence of the LAF and its outstanding victory over terrorism in the Dawn of the Outskirts operation and commended the competence of the Lebanese officers and soldiers attending courses in the USA. The US ambassador also confirmed that its country will continue to provide aid to the LAF in the coming phase which has exceeded in 2017 160 million $.
In the end, an aerial parade with the Super Tucanos took place which was performed by 2 pilots.
The speech of the Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun during the handover ceremony of Super Tucano Aircrafts at the Hamat Airbase on 31/10/2017
Your Excellency Ambassador Elizabeth Richard
Lieutenant General Jeffrey L. Harrigian, Commander of the Air force in the US Central Command
Distinguished officers and audience
It is a new era in the historic relations between the Lebanese and United States Armed Forces. An era that holds a lot of significance and meanings, the first is the will of the United States authorities to continue providing qualitative support to the Lebanese Armed Forces. The 2 Super Tucano A29 Aircraft which have advanced combat and surveillance capabilities that will make a qualitative leap in improving the aerial capabilities of the LAF. Secondly, is the trust of these authorities in the national role performed by the Armed Forces in protecting Lebanon from aggressions, particularly terrorism, as well as the outstanding achievements of the army in the “Dawn of the Outskirts” operation in August. Thirdly is the commitment of the United States of America to preserve Lebanon’s stability during crises and events in an unstable region.
Therefore, I extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the United States authorities and Armed Forces for this valuable military aid.
Esteemed audience,
The Lebanese Armed Forces despite its modest military capabilities, has proven that it is an army of determination, professionalism and combat competence. Furthermore, we look forward to equipping the army with the appropriate weapons and equipment to enable it under any circumstance, to protect Lebanon’s borders and preserve its security and stability. Needless to mention the Lebanese Armed Forces has never been in an offensive posture. It was rather in defense of Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty, independence and security. We consider that any military support will be invested in serving these national goals mainly in the participation of Lebanon in combating terrorism.
Esteemed audience
I avail myself of this opportunity to convey my appreciation to the United States of America for the qualitative military support provided to the Lebanese Armed Forces. This unwavering support has clearly contributed in enabling the Lebanese Army to achieve victory over terrorism in the “Dawn of the Outskirts” operation and to uproot the terrorists from the northeastern borders. In this regard, the Air Force played a major instrumental role in decimating the capabilities and the freedom of movement of terrorists thus executing the mission in a very short period of time and with the least possible human losses. It is more important to note that the security threat posed by dormant cells still exists, therefore, cooperation in sharing intelligence information is crucial in launching preemptive operations and thus dismantling these cells.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the military and civil officials whom I have met during my visit last week to the United States of America, mainly the Commander of the United States Central Command General Joseph Votel as well as the president of the National Defense University General Fritz Roegge for their exceptional warm welcome and care throughout my visit and their willingness to meet the needs of the LAF in terms of equipment, qualitative weapons and training.
I would like to welcome our distinguished guest Lieutenant General Jeffrey L. Harrigian and to reiterate my deepest appreciation to the United States authorities and mainly Her Excellency, Ambassador Elizabeth Richard and the US Embassy staff as Ms. Richard has been following up closely on the missions and different needs of the Lebanese Armed Forces ever since she assumed her diplomatic responsibilities in Lebanon. Ms. Richard also invested exceptional efforts and took all the initiatives with the aim of establishing the best relations of cooperation and trust between our friend armies. Thank you your Excellency
Long live the Lebanese – American friendship
Ambassador Richard’s Remarks
A-29 Super Tucano Delivery Ceremony
Hamat Air Base
Good afternoon. General Aoun, Air Force Central Commander General Harrigian, General Haykal, and distinguished guests.
It is my sincere pleasure to be here today to mark a significant moment in the evolution of the Lebanese Army as one of the most capable militaries in the region. The acquisition of the A-29 Super Tucano, a new aviation platform featuring advanced technology, will transform an already-strong air power capability that has been a key part of the Lebanese Army’s ability to defend the country.
I am also pleased to honor the recently returned LAF pilots, among the best military professionals in the region. The LAF is recognized in the U.S. for the quality of the officers and soldiers it sends to our training and education programs. Lebanese students routinely finish at the top of their classes, earning ‘honor graduate’ recognition. The recently returned A-29 pilots and maintainers upheld this high LAF standard, and our military is very proud to serve with them. The second group of pilots and maintainers are on their way to Moody (Air Force Base) to start training in the coming weeks, and we look forward to sharing in their success, as well.
The two A-29 Super Tucanos that we are going to see here today are the first of six that will be delivered over the next several months. The A-29’s advanced technology provides the LAF with precision guided munitions and advanced precision strike capability. The transfer to Lebanon of this new capability reinforces our conviction that the LAF is a premier regional fighting force, fully capable of defending Lebanon’s borders.
With the A-29, the LAF will now be able to conduct joint combined arms maneuvers in all conditions, day and night, in a way that greatly reduces the risk of collateral damage and the danger to non-combatants.
As demonstrated in the LAF’s “Dawn of the Hills” operation in August, the Lebanese people can trust the LAF to achieve national strategic objectives. With the acquisition of these A-29 advanced attack aircraft, the Government of Lebanon and the LAF are even more capable of defending Lebanese territory; this is a game-changing acquisition that takes the LAF to the next level of combat capability.
Today is also another reminder of the strong bond between the U.S. and Lebanon. Our military partnership is built upon shared national interests and focuses on three pillars: advancing capabilities through Training and Engagement; the transfer of high tech military equipment to build the Army’s capability; and the Defense Institution Building we are doing together to develop planning, logistical, and sustainment capabilities.
Over the last decade, the U.S. government has invested over $1.5 billion in training and equipment, and we have trained over 32,000 Lebanese troops. We will continue this partnership and support to the Government of Lebanon and to the Army. In fact, we have recently announced another $120 million in Foreign Military Financing, which brings the total investment in the LAF to over $160 million just this year.
I would like to say one very important point here, for all militaries, including our own, the process of planning for, acquiring, and sustaining the capabilities needed to accomplish the mission is a strategic endeavor of great importance.
I would like to take a moment to salute all the former army and Air Force officers here today; some of them are here with us in the front, as well as those who couldn’t be with us. These people understand that real capability is not built through one-time, short fuse equipment donations or purchases. Real capability is built over time, through thoughtful analysis of the threats, and careful planning and design for the Lebanese Army of the future. None of what you see here today, and frankly, none of the great successes of the Dawn of the Hills battle, would have been possible without the dedication and the foresight of all those officers and non-commissioned officers who came before us.
The United States remains committed to a secure, stable, democratic, and prosperous Lebanon. The significant increase in LAF combat capability that this aircraft represents will ensure that the LAF remain a nationally unifying force, a bulwark against extremism and terrorism, and the only real defender of Lebanon.
We are very very proud to be your partners. Thank everyone for being with us today.
