France Strengthens Lebanese Forces with 39 Armoured VAB Vehicles
The Lebanese Army recently welcomed 39 VAB (Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé) armoured personnel carriers during a ceremonial handover at the Beirut port. This event underscores France’s ongoing dedication to enhancing the operational capabilities of Lebanon’s military in light of increasing regional security challenges.
The ceremony saw the attendance of Alice Ruffo, Minister Delegate to the French Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans’ Affairs, along with French Ambassador Hervé Magro and General Hassan Awwad, Chief of Staff, representing Commander-in-Chief General Rudolph Hickel. Senior military officials also participated, highlighting the strengthening bilateral defense partnership between Paris and Beirut during a crucial time for Lebanon’s internal stability.
During the ceremony, Ruffo emphasized the “strong alliance between the Lebanese and French armed forces.” She praised the Lebanese Army for its role in maintaining stability during a challenging time for the nation, asserting that “France firmly believes in the armed forces as the cornerstone of Lebanon’s security and stability.” She reaffirmed the continuous French support for the Lebanese military, even with the increasing pressures in the region.
In response, General Awwad conveyed the Lebanese Army’s profound gratitude for French solidarity. He stated, “We greatly appreciate France’s unwavering support for Lebanon and recognize its vital initiative to enhance our military capabilities, especially in the face of rapidly escalating challenges in the region.” He regarded the aid package as a testament to the enduring bilateral relationship and France’s steadfast commitment to Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The delivery of the VAB vehicles is part of a broader modernization initiative aimed at improving the Lebanese Army’s ground mobility and force protection capabilities. Manufactured by French defense leader Renault Trucks Defense, the VAB is one of the most widely deployed armoured vehicles globally, known for its robust ballistic and blast protection, along with its impressive tactical mobility—crucial qualities for operations in both urban and rural settings.
Awwad noted that this supply “reflects the depth of our bilateral relations, reinforces France’s commitment to Lebanon’s security and stability, and enhances the military’s ability to fulfill its operational mandates.” The event concluded with a formal letter of appreciation from Awwad to Ruffo, acknowledging France’s pivotal role in advancing Lebanese military capability development.
