Greece has delivered a second military aid package to the Lebanese Armed Forces, consisting of 13 M113 armored personnel carriers and 10 military trucks, as Lebanon seeks to strengthen its army and expand state authority over security matters.

The equipment was handed over at the Port of Beirut on August 29, according to the Lebanese Armed Forces. The shipment followed an earlier delivery on January 16, which also included 13 M113 armored personnel carriers and 10 military trucks.

With the latest delivery, Greece has supplied Lebanon with a total of 46 military vehicles this year. Greek authorities said the assistance is intended to support Lebanon's sovereignty, security and stability, while helping enhance the operational capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Military support amid security transition

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the Lebanese Armed Forces are a cornerstone of Lebanon's security and territorial integrity, adding that Athens is prepared to continue supporting efforts to strengthen the army's ability to exercise state authority across the country, particularly in southern Lebanon.

The delivery comes as the Lebanese Armed Forces prepare to expand their deployment in southern Lebanon under a U.S.-backed ceasefire framework aimed at extending state authority and ensuring that all weapons ultimately fall under the control of the Lebanese state. Lebanese officials have repeatedly reiterated that the state must hold a monopoly on arms, while Israel and the United States have argued that the process will ultimately require the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Although Greece has not linked its military assistance to that objective, the timing of the shipment coincides with Lebanon's efforts to increase the army's role in southern Lebanon as part of the broader security framework.

Greece-Israel defense cooperation

The military assistance also comes as Greece continues to deepen defense cooperation with Israel.

Athens and Israel recently expanded their military partnership through a major air defense agreement that includes Israeli-developed systems such as David's Sling and SPYDER, reflecting broader security cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

While the Greek military aid has officially been presented as support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, its delivery comes at a time of significant changes in Lebanon's security landscape, where the army is expected to assume greater responsibilities as the government works to consolidate state authority.(ILKHA)