According to Lebanese National News agency, the contract between France, through its agency ODAS, and Saudi Arabia, has just been signed in Riyadh after nearly a year of negotiations. This contract aims to equip the Lebanese army with military means to fight against the jihadists, for more than $ 3 billion.
It is the financial aspect that has been signed by the Minister of Finance of Saudi Arabia. Jean-Yves Le Drian will visit Saudi Arabia in November to sign the tripartite equipment plan.
In total 20 French companies are involved in this contract. 5% relates to the training aspect, involving DCI and the French army for the operational part. For the equipment, the biggest concerns land equipment for 45% of the contract value.
This contract introduces the first sale of the latest development of the French Renault Trucks Defence VAB, the VAB Mark3. But there will also be second-hand transport vehicles from the army stock (TRM2000…). Furthermore Thales radars, Milan anti-tank missiles and light weapons for the infantry. The contract would also provide the acquisition of Caesar artillery guns from Nexter.
The air mobility part counts 30% of the value of $ 3 billion. The equipment includes second-hand Gazelle retrofitted with wire-guided HOT missiles; Cougar transport helicopters and SDTI Sperwer UAV systems.
Finally, let’s note for the navy component, the purchase of a OPV of CMN equipped with Mistral missiles and guns.
Deliveries are scheduled to start next month and be completed by 2018.
Also note that this Saudi Arabian plan of a Lebanese rearmament has a second aspect: the Lebanese government will have an additional billion to buy military equipment, but this time of his choice and where he wants…
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