France has completed the delivery of armored personnel carriers to the Lebanese Armed Forces, fulfilling its commitment to strengthen the country’s ground mobility capabilities.
The donation includes 39 Armored Forward Vehicle (VAB) platforms, originally developed for the French military and in service since the 1980s.
The handover took place at the port of Beirut and was attended by French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro, Lebanese Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Hassan Audi, and other senior officials from both nations.
During the ceremony, the Lebanese government highlighted the growing relationship between the two nations and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining national security.
“We highly value France’s support for Lebanon and appreciate its valuable initiative to support the army, despite the rapid challenges facing the region,” Audi remarked during the ceremony.
“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.”
Situation in Lebanon
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the VAB transfer in late March as part of a broader effort to support Lebanon in safeguarding its territorial integrity and civilian security.
Lebanon continues to face security and humanitarian challenges amid regional tensions.
The March 2026 assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei heightened these pressures, with Hezbollah responding with strikes against Israel.
Since the 1980s, Hezbollah has been backed by Iran and is widely regarded as part of a network of aligned groups opposing Israeli and Western influence in the region.
