Major defense packages support Gulf allies’ helicopter and fighter operations as the U.S. reinforces security partnerships in a strategically vital region.
The Pentagon has approved nearly $1.5 billion in potential arms sales to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, clearing the way for critical sustainment packages that will keep Gulf allies’ helicopter fleets and fighter jets operational amid ongoing regional tensions.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced the proposed sales, with Saudi Arabia receiving approval for two separate $500 million packages covering helicopter maintenance and training, while Bahrain secured a $445 million sustainment deal for its F-16 fighter fleet.
The Saudi packages address immediate operational needs for the kingdom’s diverse rotorcraft inventory. The first deal, structured as a Foreign Military Sales Order II case, allows Riyadh to purchase spare parts directly through the Defense Department’s supply system for multiple helicopter types operated by Saudi forces.
The spare parts package covers Boeing AH-64A/D/E Apache attack helicopters, CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift aircraft, Schweizer 333 light helicopters, and aerial scout helicopters. The scout helicopter designation likely refers to MD Helicopters MD500s and AH-6Is flown by the Saudi Arabian National Guard, according to the DSCA notification.
A separate $500 million training package will bring Saudi pilots and maintenance crews to the United States for instruction on Apache, Chinook, Airbus Helicopters UH-72A Lakota and Sikorsky UH-60L/M Black Hawk operations. The U.S. Army will conduct the training at American facilities.
“The proposed sale will enhance Saudi Arabia’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing initial through advanced aviation operator and maintainer training for the safe and professional operation of the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Corps US-procured helicopter fleet,” the DSCA said in its notification to Congress.
The Bahrain deal focuses on sustaining the small Gulf nation’s fighter capability. Aviation analytics firm Cirium reports Bahrain operates 34 F-16C/D fighters, with three additional aircraft on order. The $445 million package includes a broad array of components, spare parts and technical support services needed to maintain the fleet’s readiness.
The Pentagon emphasized Bahrain’s strategic importance to U.S. operations in the region. The island nation hosts the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters and serves as a key partner in regional security efforts.
“The proposed sale will improve Bahrain’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible force that can deter adversaries and provide the capability to participate in regional operations with the United States and other US partner nations,” the DSCA stated.
The agency added that Bahrain “will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”
Congressional notification of the proposed sales starts a review period during which lawmakers can block the deals, though such action is rare for close U.S. allies. The sales require final approval before contracts can be awarded to defense manufacturers, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, and others positioned to benefit from the packages.
The announcements underscore continued U.S. commitment to Gulf security partnerships despite broader strategic shifts toward the Indo-Pacific region. Both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain rely heavily on American-made military equipment, creating long-term sustainment relationships that extend beyond initial aircraft purchases.
For Saudi Arabia, the deals address the practical challenge of maintaining a large, diverse helicopter fleet that includes both American and European-manufactured aircraft. The kingdom uses rotorcraft extensively for border security, counterterrorism operations, and troop transport across its vast territory.
Bahrain’s F-16 fleet serves dual purposes: defending the nation’s airspace and maintaining interoperability with U.S. forces operating from Bahraini bases. The sustainment package ensures the fighters remain mission-capable as regional air defense assets.
The proposed sales follow standard Foreign Military Sales procedures, with the U.S. government serving as intermediary between partner nations and defense contractors. This arrangement allows allied countries to purchase military equipment and services while ensuring American oversight of sensitive defense technology transfers.
Key Takeaways
- Pentagon approved $1.445 billion in potential arms sales: two $500 million Saudi helicopter packages and a $445 million Bahrain F-16 sustainment deal.
- Saudi packages cover spare parts for Apache, Chinook, and other rotorcraft, plus U.S.-based training conducted by the Army.
- Bahrain’s deal supports its 34-aircraft F-16 fleet with components and technical services to maintain operational readiness.
- DSCA says sales enhance allies’ capability to counter regional threats and participate in operations alongside U.S. forces.
- Congressional review period now underway; sales require final approval before contract awards to Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and other manufacturers.
