70
The Pumas of the LAF still have a vital role to play even after the arrival of the Super Tucano. The availability of an fixed-wing attack platform will allow the Pumas to resume their primary roles and transports. Nevertheless, the LAF intends to retain the Puma’s rocket-launching capability.
ARTILLERY INNOVATIONS
In 2015 the LAF received M712 Copperhead ammunition, a 155mm cannon-launched guided projectile. The Copperheads work with laser designators and their onboard guidance system will maneuver the projectile to the designated target. Previously, the Lebanese Army was limited in using these munitions because it was often hard to send in personnel with laser designators into a threat area. The LAF was able to leverage the laser designator capability of the Combat Caravan to vastly increase their effectiveness and lethality. Employing this system during the battle against ISIS, targets as far as ten kilometers away from the artillery battery were hit accurately.
THE FUTURE OF THE LAF
The Lebanese Air Force continues to grow and leverage its invaluable battlefield experience as it does so. The LAF is looking to obtain six additional Super Tucano aircraft and in 2021, expect to receive six MD-530G light helicopters with the ability to fire laser-guided rockets. These plans make sense given the LAF’s focus on its close air support role and building upon related capabilities. The LAF’s five-year plan is to field a force of 12 Super Tucanos and 12 MD-530Gs. Ultimately, it is expected that the MD-530Gs will replace the Gazelles. The LAF also plans to upgrade its existing UH-1 Hueys to Super Huey standards. Given Lebanon’s strategic importance in the war against terrorism, the LAF will continue to play a vital role in securing Lebanon’s borders, fighting terrorism and helping to bring stability to a region that desperately needs it.