(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — The first installment of French military equipment arrived in Beirut on Monday under a four-year plan to help arm the Lebanese army in its battle against militants from neighboring Syria.
The $3 billion plan paid for by Saudi Arabia aims to help bolster the Lebanese army over the next four years with new transport vehicles, tanks, warships, and communication equipment.
The handover ceremony at Beirut’s international airport was attended by Lebanese and French defense ministers, including MP Samir Moqbel, his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, Lebanese Army Commander Jean Kahwagi, and Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awad Asiri.
Agence France-Presse reports that deliveries will include 250 combat and transport vehicles, seven Cougar attack helicopters, three small corvette warships, and a range of surveillance equipment.
The Saudi-deal also includes seven years of training for the 70,000 members of the Lebanese Army and 10 years of equipment maintenance, according to media reports.
The deal involves more than 20 French companies who will provide land, sea and air equipment, including armored vehicles, heavy artillery, anti-tank missiles, mortars, and assault weapons.
Security sources from Lebanon say the first shipment from France included 48 “Milan” anti-tank missiles.
“Lebanon’s victory against terrorism is a victory to all nations threatened by terrorism,” Lebanese Defense Minister Samir Moqbel said.
Lebanese army officials called the delivery a “turning point” in the army’s performance, according to the Associated Press.
“The Lebanese army paid a high price in Arsal and France helped and will help Lebanon so that it does not slip into chaos,” French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.
Le Drian added that the next shipment of weapons will arrive to Beirut in May.
The $3 billion deal was signed in November in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has already provided $1 billion in military aid to the Lebanese army.
Many Lebanese view the deal as part of a competition for foreign influence, which they say could spark sectarian conflict.
Future Movement chief and former Prime Minister Saad Hariri thanked Saudi king Salman Bin Abdel-Aziz on Monday for “the kingdom’s keenness on Lebanon’s security and stability.”