The United States offered 6 military helicopters to the Lebanese Army (LAF). A ceremony was held for the occasion on Tuesday at the Hamat Air Base where the 6 MD-530F helicopters were exhibited.
The cost of those helicopters is valued at over $40 million dollars.
The ceremony was held in the presence of Commander General Joseph Aoun and American Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea, showing the solid ties between the two countries.
The LAF Commander declared that this event “renews the process of effective cooperation and friendship between the Lebanese Army and the United States of America“.
The United States is frequently supporting the Lebanese Army that hasn’t been spared by the economic collapse. At a certain point this year, they developed sightseeing helicopter rides for tourists to generate money.
“We know your country is going through difficult times, your people are experiencing very difficult economic circumstances and many of you yourselves are,” the American ambassador declared during the ceremony.
“We recognize the vital role that you play in securing and protecting Lebanon”, she stated.
She declared that her country will grant an additional $67 million support, which will be added to the $120 million already set aside for Lebanon, bringing the Foreign Military Financing support for Lebanon to $187 million for this year.
