France sends 39 VABs to Lebanese army

France has completed the delivery of 39 armored personnel carriers to the Lebanese Armed Forces, honoring a previous commitment made by Paris to strengthen Beirut's military capacity. The handover took place during a ceremony at the port of Beirut on Tuesday, with French Deputy Defense Minister Alice Rufo in attendance.

The vehicles, known as VABs (Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé), are specifically designed to improve troop mobility and facilitate operations in high-risk environments. Each armored carrier can transport approximately ten fully equipped soldiers and features welded steel plating that provides protection against small-arms fire and shrapnel.

France's strategic objective in Lebanon

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Rufo explained that the delivery "aims to guarantee Lebanon's territorial integrity, the protection of civilians, regardless of their faith, and the preservation of state institutions." The French deputy defense minister emphasized that the military aid comes at a critical time for the crisis-hit nation.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced in late March that France would continue supporting Lebanon's armed forces, including the provision of these armored carriers, while stressing the urgent need to protect the country's sovereignty and civilian population.

Regional context of the escalation

The delivery unfolds against a backdrop of intense military activity in the region. The Israeli army has conducted heavy airstrikes across Lebanon and launched a ground offensive in the country's southern regions following a cross-border operation by Hezbollah on March 2. The current escalation is part of a wider conflict that began on Feb. 28 with a joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran, which has since claimed over 1,340 lives. Tehran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as US military assets stationed in Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf nations.