The United States government has authorized the possible sale of a new support and logistics sustainment package for the Lebanese Air Force’s A-29 Super Tucano attack aircraft. This was revealed in one of the most recent notifications submitted by the Department of State to Congress for approval of the operation through the FMS (Foreign Military Sales) program, valued at USD 100 million.
As of today, the Lebanese Air Force operates a small fleet of A-29 Super Tucano attack aircraft, originally acquired from the Brazilian company Embraer and Sierra Nevada Corporation. The fleet initially consisted of six aircraft, but was reduced following the loss of one aircraft some years ago.
Against this backdrop, and according to information released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on July 11, the Lebanese government requested from the United States the acquisition of a logistics sustainment package for its Super Tucano fleet.
Valued at USD 100 million, the operation’s primary contractor is Sierra Nevada Corporation, and it includes the provision of services and components such as engine spare parts, consumables and rotables, ground handling equipment, spare parts, and accessories. It is also worth noting that this recent authorization adds to a previous one valued at USD 47 million.
The Department of State noted: “The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have deployed to southern Lebanon to implement the November 2024 cessation of hostilities. The sale of A-29 sustainment services will support the LAF’s implementation of the cessation of hostilities by providing maintenance to this critical aircraft, which is used to conduct Close Air Support as part of ground maneuver operations as well as manned Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). Lebanon will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces.”
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