France has delivered 39 armoured personnel carriers (VABs) to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in a ceremony held at the Beirut Port, Lebanon.
The ceremony on 31 March 2026 was attended by several dignitaries, including French Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Alice Rufo, and Chief of Staff major general PSC Hassan Audi.
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Major general PSC Hassan Audi said: “We highly value France’s support for Lebanon and appreciate its valuable initiative to support the army, despite the rapid challenges facing the region, including Lebanon.
“This support reflects 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.”
Alice Rufo stated that the armoured vehicles will enable the LAF to move securely in hazardous zones.
This transfer of vehicles follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent affirmation of support for the LAF, including the provision of military equipment, operational, and logistical assistance.
In a post on X, President Macron said: “Everything must be done to prevent this country, so close to France, from once again being drawn into war.”
France’s military assistance to Lebanon has developed over recent years. In 2017, France pledged 15 VAB armoured vehicles to support Lebanon’s fight against terrorism.
Additional commitments were announced in November 2023 to provide further armoured vehicles, helping the LAF carry out patrol and security missions across the country.
The VAB is a multi-purpose 4×4 armoured vehicle introduced in 1976 and produced in various versions to address different operational requirements.
Variants include models for artillery support, mine clearance, medical evacuation under fire, and handling hazardous substances.
The version supplied to the LAF is designed to transport up to 10 soldiers.
