The U.S. State Department has approved a number of arms sales to Bahrain.
On September 8, 2017, the State Department announced the approval for several military sales to Bahrain. The two largest potential deals pertained to F-16s.
Bahrain’s request to purchase 19 F-16V fighter jets was approved. Together with M61 Vulcan 20mm guns, F-16V F-110-GE-129 engines, APG-83 AESA radar, and other systems as well as support services, the sale, if concluded, is estimated to be worth $2.8 billion.
The State Department noted, “The proposed sale improves Bahrain’s capability to meet current and future threats. Bahrain will use the capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. This purchase of F-16Vs will improve interoperability with United States and other regional allies.”
In regards to the F-16 Block 40s that are currently in Bahraini service, the State Department approved a request for the upgrade of these jets to F-16V configuration. Bahrain operates 20 jets which, if the upgrade is carried out, will receive F-110-GE-129 engines, APG-83 AESA radars, modular mission computers, AN/AAQ-33 Sniper advanced targeting pods, and other systems.
According to the State Department, “The upgraded F-16Vs will provide an increase in the capability of existing aircraft to sustain operations, meet training requirements, and support transition training for pilots to the upgraded aircraft.”
The sale of F-16 upgrades to Bahrain was estimated at $1.1 billion.
In addition to the F-16 contracts, the State Department approved a Bahraini request for two 35-meter patrol boats and over 200 TOW missiles (TOW 2A, 2B, and BB).
The patrol vessels will serve “as a deterrent to regional threats.” The sale, if concluded, is worth $60.3 million. The TOW missiles are worth $27 million and “will advance Bahrain’s efforts to develop an integrated ground defense capability.”
Military markets analyst, covering Eurasia, Middle East, and Africa.
