The US State Department has cleared a potential $445-million FMS package to support Bahrain’s F-16 fleet. The deal, involving General Electric and Lockheed Martin, includes aircraft components, missile containers, radar receiver parts, guidance and control spares, weapons system support, ground handling gear, and laboratory instruments. These additions build on an earlier $47-million deal that covered modifications, launcher spares, and maintenance equipment. The package is expected to strengthen Bahrain’s ability to operate alongside the US and regional partners. Bahrain was the first Gulf state to adopt F-16C/D Block 40 jets in the 1990s and later became launch customer for the F-16V Block 70 under a $3.8-billion arrangement finalized in 2017. Lockheed Martin received a $1.1-billion contract in 2018 to build the new aircraft, rolling out the first unit in March 2023. Delivery timelines shifted from 2022–2023 to 2024 due to COVID-19. The Royal Bahraini Air Force now flies about 20 F-16s, including five F-16V Block 70s, with additional aircraft en route.
