MD-530F+ Attack Helicopters delivered to Lebanon
The Lebanese Air Force underwent training with MD Helicopters in March of this year. (Photo: MD Helicopters)
Six MD-530F+ Attack Helicopters have been delivered to the Lebanese Air Force, following the initial order in 2017.
Lebanon has received six MD-530F+ helicopters, manufactured by MD Helicopters, during a ceremony attended by US Ambassador Dorothy C Shea.
Beirut initially ordered the six aircraft in December 2017, as part of a wider $120 million deal, and the MD-530s were contracted in October 2018.
At the time, it was reported that the LAF would receive six MD-530G, the newest addition to the MD Helicopters line of light scout attack platforms.
However, it appears Lebanon has instead received a new variant of the MD-530F. Moreover, MD Helicopters report training Lebanese pilots on the MD-530F in March 2021.
US Ambassador, Dorothy C Shea, commented on the new variant: ‘This helicopter is the first light attack helicopter of its kind to integrate APKWS missiles and live downlink of targeting data.’
This delivery represents US support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, last month, on 14 October, US Under Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland, announced the US is offering an extra $67 million in aid for the Lebanese Army, in addition to the $120 million that had already been committed.
This support comes at a crucial time, as recently Lebanon has seen sectarian violence in its capital, tensions raised with neighbouring states and an international travel ban.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Drone Evolution eyes UK and export markets with Scimitar FPV drone]()
DSEI 2025: Drone Evolution eyes UK and export markets with Scimitar FPV drone
Launched at DSEI 2025 for the first time, the first-person-view uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) is available as 10-inch and 7-inch variant, ideal for surveillance or one-way strike missions.
-
![Proteus: forging the future of autonomous rotorcraft]()
Proteus: forging the future of autonomous rotorcraft
As the home of British helicopters, Leonardo has worked with the UK Ministry of Defence for over a decade to advance technologies underpinning uncrewed rotorcraft. Today, in partnership with DE&S Future Capabilities Innovation and the Royal Navy, Leonardo is spearheading the next step in that journey: from remotely piloted technologies to fully autonomous systems.
-
![DSEI 2025: ‘Future force’ a focus but questions remain on core UK air programmes]()
DSEI 2025: ‘Future force’ a focus but questions remain on core UK air programmes
Focused on shaping the armed forces for the fight ahead, DSEI will hone in on new technology and small and medium enterprises to help lead the sector forward.
-
![Insight: What future remains for the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft?]()
Insight: What future remains for the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft?
The surveillance aircraft from Boeing is deployed by various countries, most notably the Royal Australian Air Force; but ongoing setbacks for future customers, who cite rising costs and delays, have thrown the aircraft into the spotlight.
-
![US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026]()
US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026
The US Department of Defence (DoD) previously selected Anduril Industries and General Atomics to develop production-representative prototypes under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme. A competitive Increment 1 production decision is expected in FY2026.
