Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States has decided to send a military
aircraft to Lebanon despite the domination of its government by the
Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah.

The Defense Department has awarded a contract for the export of a
surplus military aircraft to Lebanon. The aircraft, meant to be supplied by
Alliant Techsystems, was identified as the Caravan Cessna 208B, also
supplied to the Iraq Air Force.

“This supports a Foreign Military Sales Program and the Lebanon Air Force Caravan Program,” the Pentagon said.

In a statement on Jan. 13, the Pentagon said Alliant, based in Forth Worth, Texas, was awarded a $16.1 million contract for Caravan. The contract was meant to include spares, repairs and logistics support over the next four years.

“Work is expected to be completed by Nov. 16, 2016,” the Pentagon said.

This marked the first military contract to Lebanon since the Hizbullah takeover of the Cabinet in 2011. In August, Congress suspended $100 million in military aid to Lebanon in wake of its attack on Israel.

The C-208B has been described as a turboprop plane designed for training
and light transport. Officials said the Lebanese Air Force would receive up
to 10 such aircraft, which could be converted into combat platforms.

The Pentagon did not say when the Caravan would arrive in Lebanon. But
officials said delivery could begin in 2013.

Washington has also advanced a project to imminently supply a maritime
patrol vessel to the Lebanese Navy. In January 2011, the U.S. firm, Maritime
Security Strategies, received a $29 million contract to construct the
AMP-145, a 42-meter vessel designed for coastal security.

  Alliant Techsystems, Caravan Cessna 208B, Foreign Military Sales Program, Lebanese Navy, Maritime Security Strategies, Pentagon, U.S. concludes first military contract with Lebanon since Hizbullah takeover of Cabinet