UK donates Land Rover spares worth over £400k to Lebanese Army

British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell has announced the donation of additional Land Rover spares worth over £400K to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

“This is part of our continuing partnership with the LAF through the UK’s Conflict, Stability, and Security Fund (CSSF). The spare parts will improve the Land Border Regiments’ Land Rovers recce capability and support the LAF in its mission to defend the security and stability of Lebanon and on the borders,” a British embassy statement said.

Ambassador Cowell gifted the Land Rover spare parts at a handover ceremony at the Lebanese Army Logistical base in Kfarshima on Tuesday. In attendance was Brigadier General Johnny Akl, Head of the Logistical Branch representing the Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun and senior Lebanese officers.

After the ceremony, Ambassador Cowell said: ''I am proud to be able to gift spare Land Rover parts worth £400k to contribute to the Lebanese Armed Forces’ resilience and operational readiness on the frontlines amidst a dire economic crisis.”

“Land Rover Defender vehicles form the backbone of the LAF’s mobility. Our UK teams with the Army’s leadership will continue to develop servicing, maintenance and equipment care procedures for the vehicles. The role of the LAF remains fundamental to safeguarding Lebanon and its people, particularly in these increasingly challenging times,” the ambassador added.

Since 2010, the UK has committed over £9 million, through its Conflict, Stability and Security fund, allowing the LAF to “optimize its capabilities, and develop and modernize to become a respected, professional armed forces able to defend Lebanon and provide security along its border with Syria,” the statement said.