- France delivered 39 VAB armored personnel carriers to the Lebanese Armed Forces during a formal handover ceremony at the Port of Beirut
- The vehicle transfer is intended to improve the Lebanese Army’s protected mobility and operational capacity amid ongoing regional security pressures
The Lebanese Armed Forces received 39 VAB armored personnel carriers donated by France during a ceremony held Tuesday at the Port of Beirut, according to an official statement from the army.
The handover took place on March 31 and was attended by French Minister Delegate for Veterans and Armed Forces Affairs Alice Rufo, Lebanese Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Hassan Audi representing Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal, and French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro.
The delivery comes as Lebanon’s military continues to face mounting internal security demands amid regional instability and persistent pressure on state institutions. The transfer of the VAB vehicles is intended to support the army’s mobility and operational readiness at a time when the military remains a central force for domestic security and border control.
According to the Lebanese Armed Forces, the 39 vehicles were provided as a grant by the French authorities. During the ceremony, Rufo said France remains committed to supporting the Lebanese military and described the institution as a guarantor of Lebanon’s security.
She also underscored what she described as the close relationship between the Lebanese and French armed forces, praising the Lebanese Army’s role in maintaining internal stability during what she called an exceptional period for the country.
Maj. Gen. Hassan Audi, speaking on behalf of the army commander, said the Lebanese military “highly values France’s support for Lebanon” and expressed appreciation for what he described as a valuable initiative despite the rapidly evolving challenges facing the region, including Lebanon.
“This support embodies the depth of relations between the two countries, confirms France’s standing alongside Lebanon to preserve security and stability, and enhances the military institution’s capabilities to carry out its operational missions,” Audi said.
At the conclusion of the event, Audi presented a formal letter of thanks to Rufo in recognition of France’s continued support for the Lebanese Armed Forces.
The VAB, or Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé, is a French-designed 4×4 armored personnel carrier developed by Renault and widely used by the French military and several export customers. The platform is designed to transport infantry units under armor protection while providing mobility in urban environments, on roads, and across rough terrain.
Depending on configuration, the VAB can be used for troop transport, command-and-control, casualty evacuation, and internal security operations. Its armored hull provides protection against small-arms fire and fragmentation, making it suitable for patrol and rapid-response roles in unstable areas.
France has long been one of Lebanon’s principal military partners, regularly providing training, equipment, and logistical support. Previous French military assistance has included armored vehicles, engineering equipment, and support packages aimed at sustaining the Lebanese Army’s readiness.