US clears $45M FMS to Bahrain for Mk 80 series GP bombs.

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Bahrain of 3,200 General Purpose (GP) and Penetrator Warhead bomb bodies for an estimated cost of $45 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on May 18, 2018.

Maj. Joe McGill, a flyer for the USAF 40th Flight Test Squadron, performs checks on the bombs attached to the wing of an A-10 Thunderbolt II prior to a morning takeoff from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., May 19, 2015. The aircraft was loaded with approximately nine MK-82s, seven missiles and a full 30 mm round load for the GAU-8
(Credit: U.S. Air Force/Samuel King Jr.)

Bahrain has requested 3,200 General Purpose (GP) and Penetrator Warhead bomb bodies to include:  1,500 MK-82 (500lbs) GP bomb bodies, 600 MK-83 (1,000lbs) GP bomb bodies, 600 MK-84 (2,000lbs) GP bomb bodies, and 500 BLU-109 (2,000lbs) Penetrator Warhead bomb bodies.  Also included are spares and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, and other related elements of logistics and program support.  The estimated total cost is $45 million.

"The purchase of these munitions will bolster the Royal Bahraini Air Force’s ability to conduct and sustain air operations with its F-16 combat aircraft.  Our mutual defense interests anchor our relationship and the Royal Bahraini Air Force plays a significant role in Bahrain's defense," the DSCA said. 

"The proposed sale will improve Bahrain’s capability to meet current and future security threats.  Bahrain will use these munitions as a deterrent to regional threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and execute counter-terrorism operations.  The GP bomb bodies would also better equip Bahrain to operate with U.S.-led and U.S.-supported coalition operations," it added. 

There is no prime contractor planned for this effort; the munitions will be provided by the U.S. Government out of stock.