Lebanon receives first shipment of French weapons

Lebanon received on Monday the first shipment of three billion U.S. dollars worth of French arms under a Saudi-financed deal to boost the country's defensive capabilities to combat terror threats.

The handover ceremony held at Beirut's international airport was attended by French and Lebanese ministers of defense and other senior officials.

Visiting French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that around 60 French officers will arrive in Lebanon to oversee the training of Lebanese troops and the implementation of the aid program, adding that "the second batch of weapons will arrive next month."

"We aim at modernizing and restructuring the security forces to enable it to enter a new era of leading military operations", Le Drian said.

He praised the Lebanese army's efforts to prevent terrorists from infiltrating the country and the significant role it plays in its war against terrorism.

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awadh Asiri said at the ceremony that the kingdom's financing came as Lebanon faces more challenges than ever, adding that "the Kingdom will support the Lebanese army and legitimacy in Lebanon."

France is expected, according to the deal entirely funded by Saudi Arabia, to deliver 250 combat and transport vehicles, seven Cougar helicopters, three small Corvette warships and a range of surveillance and communications equipment over four years.

The contract also promises seven years of training for the Lebanese army and 10 years of equipment maintenance.

Lebanon has faced mounting spill-over threats resulting from the Syrian crisis, most notably the five-day clashes between the army and the al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State militants on the eastern border town of Arsal. Endit