The Lebanese Air Force (al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Lubnaniya) was formed in under the command of the late Lt. Colonel Emile Boustany who later became commander of the armed forces. Although Lebanon gained independence in 1943

Upon its formation Britain donated four Percival Prentices, Italy Savoia Marchetti SM.79L and SM79 which were utilized as transports. Subsequent years witnessed the addition of DH104 Dove twin-engine, sixteen NAA Harvards, six Harvard T2B's six AT-16 aircraft.

After 1960, LAF entered the jet age with CM170 Fouga , sixteen Dassault Mirage IIIEL/BL aircraft and for training of Lebanese pilots and personnel, Also Hawker Hunters were acquired to replace the older combat aircraft.

In 1973, twelve Agusta-Bell AB212, in the 1980s ten SA330 Puma and SA342L Gazelle helicopters entered service. In 1995, witnesed the arrival of sixteen former US Army Bell UH-1H helicopters, primarily used for troop transport, VIP duties and search and rescue (SAR) missions. 

In 2000 Mirage III's were acquired by Pakistan and delivered to the Pakistan Air Force. In 2005 four newly Robinson R44 Raven II Helicopters were acquired for training

Surplus Gazelle helicopters donated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) early 2007. A year later the Russia Federation agreed to supply Mil Mi-24 'Hind heavy attack helicopters and training of their aircrew. In 2009, the first Cessna 208B Caravan surveillance aircraft was delivered, capable of carrying Hellfire air-to-surface missiles.

According to Jane's Sentinel Security Assessment - Eastern Mediterranean (dated: Nov 30, 2011)

The helicopter force is undoubtedly the most effective element of the Lebanese Air Force in ensuring internal security, with the UH-1H Iroquois primarily used for troop transport and VIP transport duties, as well as search and rescue (SAR) missions and day-time border patrol.

Commander of the Air Force: Brigadier General Ghassan Chahine
Air Force Personnel Strength: 1,000
Inventory Summary:

  • Combat: aircraft 5 (total) 5 (in service)
  • Helicopters: 62 (total) 53 (in service)

Lebanese Air Force Website
Aircraft Type In service Notes
Fixed wing Aircraft
AC-208B Combat Caravan Close air support/Border surveillance 1 2 on order Equipped with MX-15D Camera and Hellfire missiles.
Hawker Hunter Ground attack 4 3 single seaters and 1 two seater back in service. The remaining inactive four are displayed in the Lebanese Air Force Museum at Rayak Air Base
Scottish Aviation Bulldog Trainer 3 Restored in 2010
Helicopters
AB-205/UH-1H Utility/Bomber/Attack helicopter 23 Some with local modifications to carry 250 kg and 400 kg bombs or SNEB Matra 68mm rocket launchers
Aérospatiale SA-342L Gazelle Naval patrol/Battlefield scout/Anti-tank 8 Lebanon signed a contract with Eurotech to revamp and upgrade 13 Gazelles of the original and ex-UAE deliveries.
AgustaWestland AW139 Executive(VIP) VIP transport 1 "Cedar 1" Presidential helicopter.
IAR 330SM / Aérospatiale SA-330 Puma Utility and transport helicopter 10 7 in storage. Three are ex-UAE IAR-330SM Pumas remaining to be delivered.
Mil Mi-24 Attack-Gunship helicopter 6 6 on order, replacing a previous MiG-29 offer. To be delivered before the end of the year after compelition of the Lebanese pilots training in the Russian Federation
Robinson R44 Trainer/Light utility helicopter 4
Sikorsky S-61N MkII Firefighting/Rescue 3 On behalf of the Ministry of Interior.
Civil and Military Airports in Lebanon
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