Vertical Magazine visited the Republic of Lebanon to fly with and speak to the aviators of the Lebanese Air Force (LAF).

Operating in close coordination with ground and naval units while executing missions that range from reconnaissance to direct combat support, the challenges are immense and the stakes are high.

At the fulcrum of the mission are the LAF’s latest acquisitions: the MD 530F Little Bird helicopters of the 17th Squadron.

Hear from the pilots and crew who are flying on these machines, and what it takes to get there.

Read the full story in an upcoming Vertical/Vertical Valor Mega Issue, set to release this October 2024 at verticalmag.com/issues!