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The Lebanese Air Force (LAF) (Arabic: Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Lubnaniyya) was established in 1949, six years after gaining independence from France. Soon after its establishment, a number of aircraft were donated by the British, French, and Italian governments.
The LAF’s fighter capability was built around the Hawker Hunter and the Mirage III, however, the Mirages were ultimately sold and the Hunters were eventually pulled from active use (although they are still maintained as airworthy). For a long time the LAF had to rely on an all-helicopter force for all of its needs, however in recent years three Cessna AC-208 Combat Caravans were acquired for reconnaissance and attack. This was followed by the purchase of six Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucanos in June 2018.
RECENT OPERATIONAL HISTORY OF THE LAF
WAR AT NAHR AL-BARED
In 2007 the LAF was involved in a operations against militants in Nahr al-Bared, in northern Lebanon. The Air Force was flying mostly medical and casualty evacuation as well as performing aerial photography missions. The need arose to design a platform able to deliver the 500 pound Mk82 and 1,000 pound Mk83 bombs with an acceptable accuracy. The LAF ultimately modified the UH-1H helicopters in its inventory into makeshift bombers. This innovation helped being about the end of the battle with the militants, as the LAF was able to either destroy or draw the terrorists out of their fortified positions. Subsequently, the Lebanese Armed Forces started to plan for enhanced aerial capabilities, realizing the importance of air power in these situations.
The LAF submitted a request to the United States to obtain an aerial platform capable of providing Close Air Support. In 2009 they received the first of three armed AC-208 Combat Caravans, able to carry two AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.