As UNIFIL’s mission is set to conclude at the end of 2026, the Commander of the Lebanese Navy has hailed cooperation with UNIFIL’s Maritime Task Force (MTF) spanning nearly two decades in safeguarding Lebanon’s territorial waters.
In an interview with UNIFIL’s “News from UNIFIL” radio programme, Rear Admiral Mustapha El Aly said, with UNIFIL MTF’s support, the Lebanese Navy has developed its capabilities in several areas, “most notably maritime domain awareness through an advanced radar network extending from Arida in the north to Naqoura in the south.”
“This has enhanced vessel readiness and improved the management of maritime operations through a flexible operational concept that allows us to confront maritime threats based on accurate risk assessment,” said Rear Admiral El Aly.
He also highlighted the enhancement of the Lebanese Navy’s search and rescue capabilities “in accordance with the highest international standards.”
“Strong emphasis has been placed on training vessel crews,” said the Commander. “This includes the use of modern technologies, such as a navigation simulator at the Naval Forces School, with specialized teams from the German Navy supporting the training of officers and non-commissioned officers in safe navigation and maneuvering at sea, helping to reduce maritime accidents.”
In late December 2025, UNIFIL MTF and the Lebanese Navy signed a new operational framework outlining cooperation for 2026, with the Navy assuming greater responsibility for securing Lebanese territorial waters. As part of this understanding, the MTF is gradually transitioning from actively pursuing maritime security tasks to playing a role as advisor, mentor, and observer.
As the first naval task force ever to participate in a UN peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL MTF, deployed since 15 October 2006 at the request of the Lebanese government, supports the Lebanese Navy in monitoring Lebanese territorial waters, securing the Lebanese coast, and preventing the unauthorized import of weapons or related material into Lebanon by sea. Another important aspect of the MTF's mission is to provide support and training for the development of Lebanon's naval forces so that they can effectively patrol the 110 nautical miles of Lebanese coastline.
