Amid Lebanon's severe economic crisis and pressing security challenges, the prospect of the Lebanese Army sourcing arms from Turkey has resurfaced. There is official interest in Turkey's defense industries, though any advancement here hinges on improvements in Lebanon's financial and political situation.
According to a report by Türkiye Today, Lebanon is considering expanding future security cooperation with Turkey, potentially including the purchase of defense systems and weapons. However, a senior Lebanese official stated that no current discussions are occurring with Turkish military industries, due to Lebanon's financial hardships.
The source noted that Beirut perceives Turkish defense industries as a combination of advanced technology and relatively low costs. Nonetheless, any future agreements rely first on Lebanon's economic recovery, political stabilization, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
The official recalled a past instance when Russia offered Lebanon a donation of 10 MiG-29 fighter jets, which the Lebanese government declined due to high operational costs. He commented, "Our military doesn't possess advanced weaponry simply because we've never had the economic capability."
The report indicates that current Turkish-Lebanese military relations are limited to non-combat security aid and the training of a handful of Lebanese soldiers in Turkey, according to a Turkish source familiar with the matter.
The report highlights the economic crisis's direct impact on the Lebanese military, with around 90% of its daily operational capabilities and equipment reliant on foreign assistance, further cementing Beirut's dependence on the United States.
The report quotes the Lebanese source noting that President Jozef Aoun's recent visit to Washington marked a "turning point" in security relations between the two nations.
The United States pledged approximately $3 billion in military assistance over ten years to ensure the Lebanese Army's operation continuity, basic needs, logistics, light equipment, and maintenance.
The source explained that the relationship with Washington extends beyond military partnerships, providing political leverage, with the U.S. positioned as the only player able to exert real pressure on Israel regarding withdrawal and tension reduction.
Conversely, the report notes Lebanon is also watching Turkey’s rising regional role and acknowledges Ankara's policy of engaging with Lebanese state institutions over local political forces, according to the Lebanese source.
The official suggested that should the Lebanese Army secure independent funding in the future, it would "certainly" turn to Turkish defense companies for arms and equipment procurement.
The potential cooperation isn't limited to military fields, with the report indicating Turkey's willingness to contribute to infrastructure projects, especially in Lebanon's perpetually collapsing electricity sector.
The report concludes that Ankara could become a future defense partner for Lebanon by offering modern defense systems at a lower cost than Western counterparts, contingent on Lebanon overcoming its economic crisis and restoring financial and political stability.