Human Rights First (HRF) accused Bahrain’s Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa of overseeing torture and other cruel treatment against political prisoners since 2011, despite Bahrain being a signatory to the UN Convention Against Torture (Read more at Middle East Eye).
The possible Saudi Arabian Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases are each valued at $500 million. “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,” says the DSCA. Separately, the DSCA has announced a possible $445 million sustainment sale for Bahrain’s F-16s. It covers a broad range of components, spares, and other support (Read more at Global Flight).
Under the request, Bahrain seeks to purchase four M142 HIMARS launchers, three International Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems, and a range of related items. These include M28A2 Low Cost Reduced Range Practice Rocket Pods, resupply vehicles, GPS receivers, simulators, communications systems, spare parts, training, and technical support services. According to the DSCA, the proposed sale is intended to enhance Bahrain’s ability to address current and future security challenges, support U.S. installations and personnel in the country, integrate with U.S.-led coalitions, and operate independently in support of shared defense objectives. The agency stated that the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region and that Bahrain could integrate the systems without difficulty (Read more at Defensehere).
The deals span sectors such as aviation, technology, industry, and investment. Among the agreements, Cisco Systems will provide digital solutions for Bahrain's government information and telecommunications infrastructure. Separately, plans were announced to establish an 800-kilometre (497-mile) multi-fiber submarine cable linking Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq to global networks, according to BNA (Read more at Business Standard).
The U.S. military is set to allow families of service members in Bahrain to temporarily depart the country because of heightened tensions in the region, a U.S. official told Reuters on Wednesday. The official was speaking on condition of anonymity (Read more at Yahoo news).
On display are some of the company’s flagship platforms, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-130J Super Hercules airlifter, and the Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter. The company presented its portfolio to various high-level officials and representatives, including Air Commodore Said Al Abdali of the Royal Air Force of Oman and Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Deputy King of the Kingdom of Bahrain (Read more at Defense Post).
The contract will cover 50 System Enhancement Package 3 (SEP v3) variant tanks equipped with M240 Coaxial 7.62mm machine guns. Supporting capabilities included in the order are M88A2 HERCULES Combat Recovery Vehicles and M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles. Maintenance, training, and other logistics services will also be provided by the US (Read more at Defense Post).
