Military Exercise “Pegasus Cedar 2026” Held By British And Lebanese Forces
British soldiers from the Support Company of the 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, based at Dhekelia Base in Cyprus, have arrived in Lebanon to join their Lebanese counterparts from the Airborne Regiment as part of a joint military exercise aimed at strengthening bilateral defense relations and enhancing operational readiness.
The three-week “Pegasus Cedar 2026” exercise, taking place this month, builds on the success of the largest British-Lebanese joint military training exercise of its kind, which was held in September 2023.
British and Lebanese soldiers will train in tactical skills including mortar systems, small-unit tactics, reconnaissance, helicopter drills and other activities. The exercise will test and help develop the capabilities of the two countries’ forces in a challenging environment. Personnel from the US and Italian armies are also taking part, while personnel from the armies of France, Cyprus, Qatar and Jordan are joining as observers.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) is one of the oldest infantry regiments in the British Army and is the only Scottish infantry regiment in the Army. King Charles III serves as the regiment’s Colonel-in-Chief.
British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell said: The ‘Pegasus Cedar 2026’ exercise embodies the strong and longstanding partnership between our two countries. Building on the success of the 2023 exercise, the Support Company of the 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, will train alongside members of the Lebanese Armed Forces to hone skills and exchange military expertise.
British military training teams continue to work alongside different branches of the Lebanese military establishment, including the land, naval and air forces, to support them in carrying out their essential roles and building the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces as the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon. The United Kingdom is proud of its partnership with the Lebanese Armed Forces through the provision of equipment, training and infrastructure.
British Defence Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Charles Smith said: This exercise is not just about tactics; it is also about building and demonstrating trust. The United Kingdom and Lebanon share a vision for a safe and stable future, and Pegasus Cedar 2026 is a demonstration of that partnership.
Commander of the Support Company of the 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Pilot Aiden Welch, said: Our soldiers are proud to train alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces. They have given us a very warm welcome. Working together strengthens our shared capabilities and increases our readiness to face common challenges. We look forward to building this strong partnership and continuing our close cooperation in the years ahead.
