The United States Department of State has approved a significant Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Lebanon, authorizing the transfer of additional armored vehicles to bolster the nation’s internal security capabilities. The deal, valued at an estimated $34.5 million, involves the acquisition of M1151A1 High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs), commonly known as Humvees, along with a suite of advanced communications and logistical support equipment.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 16, 2025.
According to the official news release, the Government of Lebanon requested to purchase an additional 90 M1151A1 vehicles. These will be combined with a previously implemented case for 50 vehicles, bringing the total package to 140 armored units. The original case was valued at $12.26 million, but with the new expansion, the total estimated cost for the combined fleet and support package now stands at $34.5 million.
The M1151A1 is an “Expanded Capacity Armament Carrier,” designed to provide superior protection for crews against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and small arms fire—threats that remain prevalent in the region. The sale aims to provide the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) with a highly mobile and light combat capability. The DSCA stated that these vehicles will enable the LAF to “rapidly engage and defeat perimeter security threats and readily employ counter- and anti-terrorism measures.”
Beyond the vehicles themselves, the package is comprehensive, ensuring the LAF can effectively integrate and maintain the new fleet. It includes RF-7850M-HH multiband handheld radios, Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, and “Quicklook” electronic counter-countermeasures waveforms, which are critical for maintaining secure communications in contested environments. The deal also covers spare parts, technical documentation, and training for Lebanese soldiers to ensure operational readiness.
This approval comes at a critical time for Lebanon, which continues to face severe economic and political challenges. The U.S. government framed the sale as a move to support its own foreign policy and national security objectives by “improving the security of a partner country that continues to be an important force for political and economic stability in the Middle East.” Explicitly, the notification asserts that the proposed sale “will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” a standard assurance intended to quell concerns from neighboring nations regarding shifts in military power dynamics.
The principal contractor for the vehicles is AM General, based in South Bend, Indiana. The manufacturing and delivery of these units will not require the assignment of additional U.S. government or contractor representatives to Lebanon. As the Lebanese Armed Forces continue to serve as a primary stabilizer within the country, this influx of armored mobility is expected to enhance their ability to secure borders and respond to internal security crises.
