US approves munitions sale to Bahrain
The US State Department has made a determination approving a potential foreign military sale of General Purpose (GP) and Penetrator Warhead bomb bodies to Bahrain, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 18 May.
Under a package worth $45 million, the government of Bahrain has requested 3,200 General Purpose (GP) and Penetrator Warhead bomb bodies to include 1,500 Mk 82 500lb (226kg) GP bomb bodies, six 600 Mk 83 1,000lb GP bomb bodies, 600 Mk 84 2,000lb GP bomb bodies and 500 BLU-109 2,000lb Penetrator Warhead bomb bodies.
The request also includes spares and repair parts, support and test equipment as well as logistical and programme support.
The DSCA stated that the munitions will enhance the Royal Bahraini Air Force’s ability to conduct and sustain air operations with its F-16 combat aircraft.
Further, it added that Bahrain will use these munitions to counter regional threats, strengthen its homeland defence and execute counter-terrorism operations. The GP bomb bodies would also better equip Bahrain to operate with the US-led and the US-supported coalition operations, it concluded.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue]()
Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue
Equipment has continued to flow into Ukraine from the European Union (EU), NATO and western countries as the war against Russia continues but other types of support with longer-term prospects are appearing.
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
