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.
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