The State Department approved a possible $150 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) request to Bahrain for follow-on support for the country’s existing F-16 fleet and associated equipment, parts, and logistics.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the potential sale on August 4.
The primary contractor is unknown at the time of notification. Contracts will be awarded when the source of supply determines that defense articles and services are no available from stock or considered lead-time away, DSCA said.
Follow-on support would include support equipment, communications equipment, ammunition, personal training and training equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program, U.S. government and contractor technical, logistics, and engineering support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The follow-on support is required to maintain the operational readiness of the Royal Bahrain Air Force’s (RBAF) F-16 fleet, DSCA highlighted.
“The RBAF’s F-16s are aging and periodic maintenance is becoming increasingly expensive. The age of the fleet, combined with an increased operational tempo due to recent involvement in Operation Inherent Resolve has led to increased focus on maintenance and sustainment,” the agency said in a statement.
Implementation of the FMS would not require the assignment of additional U.S. government or contractor representatives to Bahrain.