U.S. plans to refurbish U.S.-origin platforms in the Lebanese military in an effort to overpower Hizbullah

Officials said the Defense Department has been reviewing options to bolster the Lebanese Army over the next few months. They said the Pentagon could supply more than $10 million in spare parts to Lebanon to renew operations of the U.S.-origin fleet of helicopters and armored personnel carriers. The Lebanese Army has long been hampered by a shortage of spare parts and maintenance services. The army has required these services to ensure operations of its M113 APC fleet as well as UH-1H medium transport helicopters. Under the Pentagon plan, the M113 and UH-1H would become a priority. Termed ‘1206,’ the Defense Department program would immediately send funds and spare parts to restore Lebanon's military platforms.