British and Lebanese Militaries Prepare for Joint Exercises Amid Regional Tensions

Lebanon and Britain are set to launch three weeks of joint military drills starting Tuesday, as European nations work to strengthen the Lebanese army as a pillar of regional stability and peace with Israel.

Entitled Pegasus Cedar 2026, the exercise involves troops from the Royal Regiment of Scotland training alongside an air assault team from the Lebanese Armed Forces. According to the Lebanese army, the training program will feature reconnaissance, urban warfare tactics, helicopter operations, and mortar fire exercises. Six additional nations, including the US, Qatar, and Jordan, are also participating.

British personnel have deployed from a base in Cyprus for these drills, marking the first such exercises since the Hamas attack on Israel triggered a regional conflict in 2023. Lebanon has frequently been drawn into the hostilities as Hezbollah and Israel exchange cross-border fire. Meanwhile, Israeli forces occupy parts of southern Lebanon following evacuation orders and the demolition of local homes and villages.

Under a US-backed peace initiative, the Lebanese army is expected to gradually restore state control and disarm Hezbollah in exchange for an eventual Israeli withdrawal. However, questions persist regarding whether the underfunded and underequipped Lebanese army possesses the capacity for the assignment.

UK ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell stated that British forces will train alongside their Lebanese counterparts to refine skills and share military expertise. He emphasized that British training teams continue collaborating with all branches of the Lebanese military—the army, navy, and air force—to support their vital functions and establish the Lebanese Armed Forces as the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon.

Additionally, Lt Gen Charles Collins, Britain's deputy chief of the defence staff, traveled to Beirut for discussions on southern Lebanon's security situation, holding meetings with Lebanese army chief Gen Rodolphe Haykal.

Several European initiatives are underway to bolster the Lebanese army. Last month, France convened a meeting in Paris for military officials from Europe, Arab states, and the US, during which Lebanese President Joseph Aoun advocated for a sustained, long-term partnership. President Aoun is also seeking a successor for the UN peacekeeping force Unifil, whose mandate concludes this year. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed last week that Italy is participating in preparations for a replacement force.