US greenlights $445 million F-16 support deal with Bahrain

The US State Department has approved a potential sale to Bahrain of F-16 fighter support and training systems, along with related equipment, valued at $445 million, The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced.

General Electric Aerospace and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics will serve as the primary contractors for the deal, Caliber.Az reports, citing DSCA’s official website.

The proposed sale will expand on a previous $47 million Foreign Military Sales case and includes aircraft components, missile containers, radar receiver parts, guidance and control spares, weapons system support, ground handling equipment, and instruments and lab equipment.

The sale aims to enhance Bahrain’s defence capabilities, strengthen regional stability, and enable the country to participate in operations with the United States and partner nations.

Bahrain is expected to integrate the equipment without difficulty, and the transaction will not alter the basic military balance in the region or impact US defence readiness.

According to DSCA, the sale supports US foreign policy and national security objectives by reinforcing the security of a major non-NATO ally that plays a key role in political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The deal will provide Bahrain with a credible deterrent against potential threats and improve its ability to respond to both current and future security challenges.

By Jeyhun Aghazada