MDH to deliver new, upgraded MD 530F helos to Middle Eastern customer,…

As per a contract announced by MDH, it is likely that Lebanon is to return its six already delivered MD 530F CWP helicopters (pictured) to the Arizona-based company for upgrades at the same time as receiving six newbuild helicopters at the same enhanced standard. (Lebanese Armed Forces)

MD Helicopters (MDH) has been contracted to deliver new and upgraded MD 530F Cayuse Warrior Plus (CWP) light attack helicopters to an undisclosed Middle Eastern customer, most likely to be Lebanon.

The award announced earlier in August covers six new helicopters and ‘glass cockpit' upgrades to six already delivered helicopters, with deliveries of all 12 to commence in 2024.

While Jordan and Saudi Arabia are two Middle Eastern countries that operate older model MD 500-series ‘Little Bird' helicopters, Lebanon is the only regional operator of the MD 530F CWP (previously designated MD 530F+). Six helicopters were delivered to Beirut in October 2021, and while one suffered an accident in January 2022, it appears from this latest announcement that it has been returned to service.

Lebanon procured the MD 530F CWP to better defend its porous border with Syria at the same time as affirming the Lebanese Armed Forces as the “sole defender” of the country, as previously described by the US Embassy in Beirut.