Lebanon Military Forces 🇱🇧

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) are tasked with defending Lebanon from external aggression and maintaining internal stability. However, their strategic position is complicated by a number of factors. The LAF must navigate a complex domestic political landscape with deep sectarian divisions. This has historically led to the LAF being more of a security force than a conventional army, often acting to prevent internal conflicts. Regionally, Lebanon exists in a volatile neighborhood. The LAF faces the ongoing spillover from the conflict in Syria, necessitating border security operations to prevent incursions by militant groups.

A significant factor shaping Lebanon's strategic environment is the presence of Hezbollah, a powerful non-state actor with military capabilities that rival the LAF. This creates a dual-power dynamic within the country, where Hezbollah's independent military strategy often dictates matters of war and peace, particularly in the conflict with Israel. While the LAF officially remains neutral in this conflict, it is tasked with implementing ceasefire agreements.

Military Forces

The Lebanese Armed Forces consist of the Ground Forces, the Air Force, and the Navy. The Ground Forces are the largest component, equipped primarily with older-generation main battle tanks and a large number of M113 armored personnel carriers. The LAF relies heavily on foreign military aid, particularly from the United States, which has supplied equipment such as HMMWVs, anti-tank missiles, and artillery. France has also provided military assistance.

The Air Force operates a small number of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, but lacks significant jet fighter capabilities. Similarly, the Navy is small and tasked with patrolling Lebanon's territorial waters and ports. Both the Air Force and Navy are undergoing slow modernization efforts, largely dependent on donations and favorably priced acquisitions from other countries. Lebanon does not have a significant domestic defense industry, making it almost entirely reliant on external suppliers for equipment and spare parts.

Strategic Trends

The primary strategic trend for the Lebanese Armed Forces is a slow and challenging modernization process. In late 2024, the Lebanese government approved a new program to modernize the army, with a focus on strengthening border security. This is supported by international aid, including recently unfrozen funding from the United States.

However, this modernization is severely handicaped by Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis and political instability. The military's budget has been drastically reduced, affecting its ability to maintain equipment and retain personnel. Another significant trend is the evolving relationship with Hezbollah. While there is a clear distinction between the two, the LAF is often in a position of de-facto co-existence, creating a complex security dynamic.