France provides first weapons to Lebanon paid for by Saudi Arabia

Sunday April 19, 2015

A $3 billion programme funded by Saudi Arabia seen as an attempt to counter Iranian influence in the Mediterranean country

The first French weapons from a $3 billion Saudi-funded programme will arrive in Lebanon on Monday.

Anti-tank guided missiles are set to arrive at an air force base in Beirut, overseen by French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and his Lebanese counterpart, Samir Mokbel.

France is expected 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 as part of the $3 billion (2.8 billion-euro) modernisation programme.

It is being entirely funded by Saudi Arabia, which is keen to see Lebanon's army defend its borders against militant groups, particularly the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Nusra, instead of leaving the job to Hezbollah militants, who are backed by its regional rival, Iran.

remainder: http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/france-provides-first-weapons-lebanon-paid-saudi-arabia-1341300477