$3 bln-worth French weaponry for Lebanon funded by Saudis

France is to deliver weaponry to Lebanon today, which is funded by the Saudis.

Under the terms of contract, there should also be provided training for the 70,000-strong Lebanese army and 10 years of equipment maintenance.

The Lebanese army has been already supported by the US and Great Britain, but Saudi Arabia was discontented with their rejection to attack Syria.

Initiated by the Saudis programme, estimated at $3 billion, should tackle Iranian influence in the region.

Saudi Arabia, determined to see Lebanon protecting its borders against the ISIS and Al-Nusra by itself, has no intention to leave it to Hezbollah, backed by Iran.

Also read: Saudi Arabia prime sponsor of terror?

Beirut is expected to receive 250 combat and transport vehicles, 7 Cougar helicopters, 3 small corvette warships as well as anti-tank guided missiles and surveillance and communications equipment.

Hisham Jaber, representative of the Middle East Centre for the Study of Public Relations in Beirut, former general, told "We urgently need helicopters. We are currently trying to transport elite units by truck".

The US have already supplied about 3 quarters of entire military aid, estimated at $700 million.

Britain has also delivered training facilities, watch towers and forward operating bases along the border with Syria.

France rejected to share the terms of new modernisation programme with the US and Great Britain.

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