Bahrain is moving forward with the development its fleet of F-16 fighter jets after a potential $3.9 deal for the delivery of 19 new aircraft and the necessary components to upgrade 20 of its F-16 Block 40 to the latest F-16V received State Department approval on Sept. 8
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on Sept. 8 of the foreign military sale (FMS), which includes $2.8 billion for 19 new jets and $1 billion for parts and logistical services to upgrade its current fleet of 20 F-16s. Lockheed Martin [LMT] is the prime contractor for the potential deal.
“These proposed defense purchases by Bahrain further U.S. national security and foreign policy interests The Government of Bahrain plays a key role in the Gulf’s security architecture as host to the U.S. Fifth Fleet and is a member of the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition,” a State Department official said in a statement. “U.S. assistance enables Bahrain to continue to obtain the equipment and training it needs to provide for its own defense and operate alongside U.S. air and naval forces.
The 19 F-16Vs sold to Bahrain would be equipped with M61 Vulcan 20mm gun systems, F-110-GE-129 engines, Northrop Grumman [NOC] APG-83 radars, modular mission computers and Marvin Group LAU-129 missile launchers.
Under the deal, Lockheed would also supply advanced radio equipment, personnel training, technical support services, equipment integration and logistical support for the aircraft. Implementation of the sale would include sending 10 U.S. government representatives and 75 Lockheed contractors to Bahrain to oversee the integration of the aircraft for country’s air force.
Bahrain will also upgrade its fleet of 20 F-16 Block 40 aircraft to the latest F-16V model with a $1 billion deal for new engines, radars, mission computer systems, missile launchers and guidance control units. Lockheed will also supply AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER Pods, and Raytheon [RTN] AIM-9X Sidewinder Missile, AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles for the fighter jets.
The sale also includes components need for upgrading its F-16 fleet such as a joint mission planning system, an F-16V simulator, 20 AN/ALQ-211 AIDEWS systems, advanced radio systems, training missiles. Lockheed will so also provide technical support and logistical services for the integration of the upgraded aircraft.
The State Department on Sept. 8 also approved two more deals with Bahrain, including $27 million for tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided (TOW) missiles and $60 million for new patrol boats.
The potential TOW missile FMS would involve $21 million for major defense equipment (MDE). Bahrain has requested 107 TOW 2A radio frequency (RF) missiles, 77 2B Aero RF missiles and 37 TOW Bunker Buster RF missiles.
Another $6 million is designated for non-MDE, including logistical support and other associated equipment and services.
Raytheon [RTN] will serve as the prime contractor for the TOW missile.
A $60 million FMS with Bahrain for two 35-meter fast patrol boats was also approved Sept. 8. The boats, for use by the Royal Bahrain Naval Force, would each be equipped with a MK38 Mod 3 25mm gun weapon system and a SeaFLIR 380 HD infrared device.
Contractors for the patrol boat FMS include Swiftships in Morgan City, La., BAE Systems in Louisville, Ky., and Flir Systems, Inc. [FLIR] in Portland, Ore.
“U.S. defense cooperation also strengthens Bahrain’s interoperability for regional security and counterterrorism cooperation; boosts Bahrain’s maritime defenses; and improves Bahrain’s ability to contribute to addressing regional security challenges,” the State Dept. official said. “We have regular discussions with the Bahrainis on a variety of issues, including human rights and political reform. We continue to urge the Government of Bahrain to pursue reconciliation and advance reform efforts for the benefit of Bahrain’s long term security and our mutual interest in regional stability.”