US approves $911m arms sale to Bahrain

Riyadh : The US State Department has approved a potential $911.4 million helicopter and weapons sale to Bahrain, according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

According to a statement posted on the website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) of the Department of Defense, the sale includes 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, as well as 26 engines, dozens of missiles and rockets of various kinds and a variety of navigation, missile planning, communications and electronic warfare systems.

“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 is an important security partner in the region,” the DSCA statement said. “Our mutual defense interests anchor our relationship and the Royal Bahraini Air Force plays a significant role in Bahrain’s defense.” T he deal includes, ALSO, personnel training and training equipment and US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services.

The statement also noted that the proposed sale “improves Bahrain’s capability to meet current and future threats.” The DSCA and State Department have now delivered the required notification to the US Congress informing its members of the possible sale.