U.S. approves potential sale of medium tactical vehicles to Lebanon

U.S. approves potential sale of medium tactical vehicles to Lebanon
A Lebanese supporter of exiled former general Michel Aoun dances with a Lebanese flag in central Beirut May 6, 2005.
Reuters

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale of M1085A2 and M1078A2 Medium Tactical Vehicles (MTVs) and related equipment to Lebanon, with the total cost estimated at $90.5 million, the Pentagon’s Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said Friday.

The sale, which includes spare parts, technical documentation, personnel training, and logistics support, was formally certified to Congress. Lebanon has requested 5-ton M1085A2 MTVs and 2.5-ton M1078A2 MTVs, both without winches.

According to the DSCA, the proposed sale aims to enhance Lebanon’s capacity to respond to current and future threats, allowing the Lebanese Armed Forces to rapidly address perimeter security challenges and deploy counterterrorism operations. A strengthened vehicle fleet will also support operational and tactical training between the United States and Lebanon.

“Lebanon will have no difficulty integrating these vehicles and support services into its armed forces,” the agency noted, adding that the sale would not alter the overall military balance in the region.

Oshkosh Defence, based in Wisconsin, will serve as the principal contractor. No offset agreements have been proposed at this stage, and the implementation will not require additional U.S. personnel in Lebanon.

The DSCA stressed that the estimated $90.5 million represents the highest possible cost based on initial requirements, which could decrease depending on final agreements and budget allocations.

The proposed sale is part of broader U.S. efforts to support Lebanon’s stability and security in the Middle East, reinforcing the country’s role as a partner in promoting political and economic progress in the region.

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