The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Lebanon for A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $462 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on Jun 5, 2015.

The Government of Lebanon has requested a possible sale of six (6) A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, eight (8) PT6A-68A Turboprop engines (6 installed and 2 spares), eight (8) ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispensing Systems, two thousand (2000) Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems, eight (8) AN/AAR-60(V)2 Missile Launch Detection Systems, non-SAASM Embedded Global Positioning System/Initial Navigation System (EGIs), spare and repair parts, flight testing, maintenance support, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, ferry support, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $462 million.

This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by providing Lebanon with airborne capabilities needed to maintain internal security, enforce United Nation’s Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701, and counter terrorist threats.

The proposed sale of these aircraft will provide Lebanon with a much needed Close Air Support (CAS) platform to meet present and future challenges posed by internal and border security threats. Lebanon should have no difficulty absorbing these additional aircraft into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be:
Sierra Nevada Corporation Centennial, Colorado
BAE Systems Nashua, New Hampshire
Pratt & Whitney East Hartford, Connecticut
Terma North America Arlington, Virginia
L-3COM Systems West Salt Lake City, Utah

There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require any additional U.S. Government or U.S. contractor personnel in Lebanon. However, periodic travel will be required on a temporary basis for program reviews and technical support.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

DSCA press release