The US government has agreed to a potential sale worth nearly $4 billion of the latest F-16V fighter jet variant to Bahrain, the State Department announced.
In addition to the purchase, the country are seeking an upgrade to 20 of its existing Block 40 variants to the F-16V configuration.
The Bahrain government also wants to buy TOW anti-tank missiles and fast patrol boats, according to additional press releases.
According to a release:
“The Government of Bahrain has requested a possible sale of nineteen (19) F-16V Aircraft; nineteen (19) M61 Vulcan 20mm Gun Systems; twenty-two (22) F-16V F-110-GE-129 Engines (includes 3 spares); twenty-two (22) APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array Radars (includes 3 spares); twenty-two (22) Modular Mission Computers (includes 3 spares); twenty-two (22) Embedded Global Navigation Systems/LN260 EGI (includes 3 spares); twenty-two (22) Improved Programmable Display Generators (iPDG) (includes 3 spares); and thirty-eight (38) LAU-129 Launchers. This sale also includes nineteen (19) AN/ALQ-211 AIDEWS Systems, thirty-eight (38) LAU-118A Launchers, forty-two (42) AN/ARC-238 SINCGARS Radio or equivalent, twenty-two (22) AN/APX-126 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) system or equivalent, twenty-two (22) cryptographic appliques, secure communication equipment, spares and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, simulators, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor technical support services, containers, missile support and test equipment, original equipment manufacturer integration and test, U.S. Government and contractor technical support and training services, site survey, design, construction studies/analysis/services, associated operations/maintenance/ training/support facilities, cybersecurity, critical computer resources support, force protection and other related elements of logistics and program support.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major Non-NATO ally, which has been and continues to be an important security partner in the region. Our mutual defense interests anchor our relationship and the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) plays a significant role in Bahrain’s defense.
The proposed sale improves Bahrain’s capability to meet current and future threats. Bahrain will use the capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. This purchase of F-16Vs will improve interoperability with United States and other regional allies. Bahrain employs 20 older F-16 Block 40s and will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.”
The F-16V includes a new cockpit centre pedestal display, a modernised mission computer and a high-capacity Ethernet data bus, according to Lockheed.
I was hoping with the RN basing themselves in Bahrain it would have boosted export chances of the Eurofighter there, damn F16 still keeps undercutting everyone. It would be nice to see some return business with the UK setting up a permanent base there.
The F15, F16, F18 and F22 all continue to be upgraded, providing stellar service to their operators and now the US are conducting studies for an A-10 replacement………. so what was the vastly expensive F35 programme for again ?
The Bahrain Govt paid to have the base built!
maybe thes f 16 variants wold be a better bet for the r.a.f than the f 35a or c
No. The F-16 is a wonderful aircraft with good features all round. But the V-model comes close to defeating the point of good but cheap. The F-16 was designed to be used as part of the high-low mix. Specifically it was meant to outfit all Air Guard and Reserve squadrons. Therefore it was built to be a good all round but not spectacular in any area. Over the years upgrades make have made it better and better.
It would have been a wonderful choice for the UK to invest in back in 1980. But the RAF went with Tornado, Harrier, and the ever delayed but excellent Typhoon.
More money for an inferior aircraft?
No… no.
Hi Guys, Over the years, I’ve marvelled at F-16 displays during air-shows.
But to put any F-16 and Typhoon comparison into context: a few years ago the commander of 29 Squadron (with F-16 experience on an exchange tour) told me that after flying the Typhoon – the F-16 felt like a trainer!