USA delivers M2A2 Bradley fighting vehicle Lebanon 81408175

Defense & Security News - Lebanon
 

USA delivers M2A2 Bradley fighting vehicle to Lebanon 

Ambassador Elizabeth Richard spoke today at the delivery of Bradley Fighting Vehicles and armored field artillery ammunition supply vehicles to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
     
Ambassador Elizabeth Richard spoke today at the delivery of Bradley Fighting Vehicles and armored field artillery ammunition supply vehicles to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
     
"We are here at the Port of Beirut to mark the delivery of eight M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles. These are the very first of a total shipment of 32 Bradleys that will be delivered in the coming months. This contribution to the Lebanese Armed Forces represents an investment of over 100 million dollars. It will provide the Lebanese Armed Forces with new capabilities to protect Lebanon, to protect its borders, and to fight terrorists. Over the next several months, the Army will undergo intensive training on how to operate and maintain this new, very sophisticated combat system."

Over the last few years, the United States has intensified its engagement and support to the Lebanese Army. In the past 12 months alone; the United States has provided the following defense articles to the Lebanese Army:
-40 M198 howitzers
-50 armored Humvees
-an Armed Cessna aircraft with hellfire missiles
-55 mortar systems
-50 Mark-19 automatic grenade launchers
-1100 machine guns, including 800  50 caliber machine guns
-4,000 M4 rifles
-Over half a million rounds of ammunition
-320 night vision devices and thermal sights
-360 secure communication radios

"America’s support for Lebanon is based on the shared interests of the American people and the Lebanese people. Our support is based on the principle that we share the same goals for stability and security in this country, and we share the view that the Lebanese Armed Forces need to maintain their rightful place as the sole provider of security and stability to the Lebanese people".