Fouga's to fly again!

[Silver]

According to this months 'Air Forces Monthly' the Lebanese Defence Forces are to take four of their six Fouga Magisters from storage and restore them to airworthy condition. The Magisters were purchased during the period 1966 to 1975...and were in use until c.1995. The intention is to use the Magisters as primary jet trainers. 

The photo which accompanies the article shows a Magister in a hangar, alongside Vampire and Hunter jets.

[Silver]

Apparently the Lebanese currently have several Hunter jets in use. They are also being offered Hawk jets, and MIG-29's by the Saudi's. Will be interesting to see their Fouga's repainted and in use again!

Any other air force still use Magisters?

(Btw, why is the 'Foreign Air Forces' section 'Read Only' now??)

[Joe McDermott]

Silver,

Looks like a two seat Vampire in behind the Fouga in that photo.

Joe

[meganeman]

Ah yes the Fougas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pUaw802Hc8

[Stanly]

Hi Guys.
This is a bit of a sentimental journey for me - visited Beirut International in  1986 and the Fougas, Hunters and Vamipres were all in a hanger there as well as a number of Allouette Threes. From memory they were all removed to a Lebanese Air Force Base in the North of the country for security (safety) reasons. I tried to photograph them, but a nice gentleman with an AK  suggested that I did not, thus the lack of evidence. Hopefully we will see these aircraft in the skies again over this beautiful but troubled country.