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Lebanon Receives Over Fifty M113 Armored Vehicles from Jordan Amid Unrest in Syria.
On December 9, 2024, Lebanon received more than fifty M113 tracked armored personnel carriers from Jordan. This delivery, officially reported by the Lebanese Ministry of Defense, saw the arrival of a cargo ship in Beirut carrying a total of 62 armored vehicles.
Lebanon received more than fifty M113 tracked armored personnel carriers from Jordan. (Picture source: Lebanon MoD)
Among those present at the transfer ceremony were a representative from the Jordanian Embassy and Lebanese General Joseph Aoun, highlighting the importance of this agreement. The M113 vehicles are intended to strengthen the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces, which operate in a complex security environment.
The M113 armored personnel carrier forms the backbone of Lebanon’s armored fleet, with approximately one thousand units currently in service, according to The Military Balance. However, the exact number of operational M113 units has not been disclosed. The newly transferred vehicles will enhance the operational capabilities of the Lebanese forces, particularly in terms of mobility and protection.
In addition to the M113, the Lebanese military also uses a range of Western-made equipment, including Belgian AIFV-B-C25 infantry fighting vehicles in various configurations such as the A2, A3, and M577 variants. The Lebanese military regularly receives foreign military equipment transfers as part of international logistical assistance.
A notable example of this support was the delivery of hundreds of British RWMIK tactical off-road vehicles, based on the Land Rover, as well as the transfer of three American Bell Huey II helicopters in February 2021. These assets, combined with the newly delivered M113s, contribute to Lebanon's efforts to enhance its defense capabilities in a tense regional context.
This delivery comes at a time when the security situation in Lebanon remains precarious. Recently, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) concluded their anti-terrorism operation “Arrows of the North” in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah forces. The operation involved extensive missile and bomb strikes, as well as the deployment of ground troops. A ceasefire agreement was signed on November 27, 2024, bringing an end to the hostilities.
The M113 is a tracked armored personnel carrier designed and produced by the American company FMC, which began being used by the U.S. Army in 1960. This vehicle has been widely adopted by many armies around the world, with over 80,000 units produced by 2001. It is particularly valued for its robustness and its ability to transport troops safely while offering mobility across different types of terrain.
The M113 is crewed by two personnel, a driver and a vehicle commander, and can carry up to 11 passengers. It measures 5.31 meters in length, 2.69 meters in width, and 1.86 meters in height, with a maximum combat weight of 14,061 kg. It is protected by armor made from an aluminum and magnesium alloy, with a 38 mm thick glacis plate inclined at 45° and 45 mm thick side armor at 90° to provide better resistance to impacts.
The M113 is primarily armed with a 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, allowing it to defend itself against light and moderate threats, although it lacks a secondary weapon. In terms of mobility, it is powered by a Detroit Diesel 6V53T engine producing 275 horsepower, enabling it to reach a top speed of 66 km/h on roads and 5.8 km/h when operating in water, thanks to its amphibious capability. It has a range of 480 kilometers and is equipped with a torsion bar suspension, providing stability and good maneuverability on rough terrain.
Lebanon's continued military strengthening, supported by international partners, aims to ensure the preparedness and effectiveness of its armed forces in the face of ongoing regional challenges.