A US Marine Corps’ AH-1W Super Cobra attempts a touch-and-go on the flight deck of dock landing ship USS Ashland. Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications 3rd Class David A. Cox.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of AH-1W refurbishment and services to Bahrain.

The US State Department has also approved the proposed deal.

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With an estimated cost of $350m, the new FMS package will see the delivery of equipment and services to upgrade a total of 24 ‘Excess Defence Article’ AH-1W Super Cobra multi-role helicopters. The prime contractor for the FMS deal is Bell Corporation.

Bahrain’s Government has additionally requested services to refurbish a full-motion Aircraft Procedures Trainer.

The package also includes the delivery of spare T-700-GE-401 aircraft engines, M272A1 missile launchers, other spare parts, support, training, publications, and related logistics and programme support.

Once implemented, the new FMS case is expected to enhance the capabilities of Bahrain’s military forces to counter and deter existing and future adversaries.

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The refurbished platform will allow the Bahraini forces to undertake a variety of missions, including search and rescue (SAR), maritime patrol and close air support.

The DSCA stated: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US, by helping to improve the security of a major non-Nato ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

“The proposed sale of these services and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”

The agency also stated that the execution of the FMS will not require US government and contractor representatives’ deployment to Bahrain.

Last month, Bell Textron completed the delivery of the last AH-1Z Viper production aircraft built for Bahrain.