The US State Department has approved a potential foreign military sale of M1085A2 and M1078A2 medium tactical vehicles (MTVs) to Lebanon, valued at $90.5 million.
The proposed agreement includes the procurement of 5-ton M1085A2 MTVs and 2.5-ton M1078A2 MTVs, both without winches. Additionally, the sale encompasses spare parts, technical documentation, personnel training, and logistics support, with Oshkosh Defense designated as the principal contractor.
These tactical vehicles are known for their high mobility and versatility, designed specifically to transport troops and equipment over challenging terrain. The M1085A2 and M1078A2 variants are particularly noted for their enhanced payload capacity and off-road capabilities, making them suitable for a wide range of military operations from logistics resupply to tactical missions. Their mobility and modular design are crucial for modern military transport fleets.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, this equipment will significantly boost the Lebanese Armed Forces’ (LAF) operational mobility, allowing for rapid responses to perimeter threats and improving counter-terrorism efforts. Moreover, it is expected to facilitate joint training activities with US military forces.
The agency further emphasized that Lebanon will be able to integrate these vehicles efficiently into its current operations. The proposed sale is also assessed to have no impact on the regional military balance or on US defense readiness.
The United States has a long-standing commitment to strengthening Lebanon’s military capabilities, having facilitated over $1.9 billion in government-to-government sales through its foreign military sales program. Since 2006, the US has invested more than $3 billion aimed at bolstering the LAF as a stabilizing force amid various regional threats.
In addition, since 2014, the State Department has allocated nearly $23 million for the International Military Education and Training program, leading to the training of over 6,000 LAF personnel in the US since 1970.
