British soldiers from the Support Company of the 4th Battalion of The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS), based at Dhekelia Garrison Cyprus, have arrived in Lebanon to join their Lebanese counterparts in the Air Assault Regiment in a landmark military exercise aimed at strengthening bilateral defence ties and enhancing operational readiness.
Exercise “PEGASUS CEDAR 2026” will take place over a three-week period in October and builds on the success of the largest UK-Lebanese military training exercise of its kind held in September 2023.
British and Lebanese troops will practice tactical skills including mortar weapon systems, small unit tactics, reconnaissance, helicopter drills and more. The exercise will test and enhance the capability of both countries’ troops in a challenging environment. Personnel from the armies of the United States and Italy will also take part, with representatives from the armies of France, Cyprus, Qatar, and Jordan joining as observers.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) is the senior line infantry regiment and only Scottish line infantry of the British Army. King Charles III is its Colonel-in-Chief.
The British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell, said:
Exercise PEGASUS CEDAR 2026 is a demonstration of the strong and enduring 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 with their Lebanese counterparts to hone skills and exchange military expertise.
British military training teams continue to work alongside all branches of the Lebanese military – Army, Navy, and Air Force – to support them in their essential roles and building the Lebanese Armed Forces’ (LAF) capabilities as the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon. The UK remains a proud partner of the LAF, providing equipment, training and infrastructure.
The British Defence Attaché, Lt. Col Charles Smith, said:
This exercise is not just about tactics, it’s about building and demonstrating trust. The UK and Lebanon share a vision for a secure and stable future, and PEGASUS CEDAR 2026 is a testament to that partnership.
Commander of Support Company of the 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Major Aidan Welch, said:
Our soldiers are proud to train alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces. We have been made to feel really welcome. Working together strengthens our collective capabilities and enhances our readiness to meet shared challenges. We look forward to building on this strong partnership and continuing our close cooperation in the years ahead.