Illustrative image. Source: the Lebanese Armed Force.
On May 16, an A-29 Super Tucano counter-insurgency (COIN) warplane of the Lebanese Air Force (LAF) crashed while taking off from Hamat Air Base in Lebanon’s northern region.
The Lebanese military is yet to comment on the incident, which was apparently caused by a mechanical failure. The warplane was heavily damaged as a result of the crash. However, no casualties were reported.
The A-29, which is made in Brazil by Embraer Defense and Security, is easy to fly and maintain, and it is considered one of the cheapest warplanes to operate.
The LAF bought six A-29s in a deal financed by the United States. The first two were delivered in October 2017, with four more in June 2018.
The A-29s supplied to the LAF are equipped with the AN/AAQ-22 Star SAFIRE II reconnaissance and targeting electro-optical system. The warplanes are armed with American-made APKWS [Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System] rockets and AGM-114 Hellfire II guided missiles.
The U.S. stepped up its support for the LAF in the past few years, supplying a number of COIN warplanes and light attack helicopters. At the same time, the U.S. continues to prevent Lebanon from acquiring any fighter jets or air defense systems. This policy is meant to maintain the superiority of the Israeli Air Force.
American military aid for Lebanon is mainly meant to drive the army away from Hezbollah. However, the Lebanese military maintains strong relations with the group.
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