BIDEC 2019: US State Department approves potential guided-missile frigate sale to Bahrain.

USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG-49) an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate (Picture source: U.S. Navy)

The Government of Bahrain has requested refurbishment of the Oliver Hazard Perry Class ship, ex ROBERT G. BRADLEY (FFG 49), spares, support, training, publications, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $150 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important ally which is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. This sale is consistent with U.S. initiatives to provide key allies in the region with systems that will enhance interoperability with U.S. forces and increase security.

The proposed sale will refurbish and support the grant transfer of the Oliver Hazard Perry Class ship, ex ROBERT G. BRADLEY (FFG 49), which was authorized for transfer under Public Law 115-232, Section 1020. Bahrain already operates another Oliver Hazard Perry Class ship. Bahrain will have no difficulty absorbing these defence articles and services into its armed forces.

Meant to guard amphibious touchdown forces, provide and replenishment teams, and service provider convoys from plane and submarines, they had been additionally later a part of battleship-centred floor motion teams and plane provider battle teams/strike teams.

USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG-49) is an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, a ship of the United States Navy named for Lieutenant Robert G. Bradley (1921–1944), who was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for his heroism on USS Princeton (CVL-23) during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Robert G. Bradley's keel was laid down by Bath Iron Works Corp., Bath, Maine, on 28 December 1982. The ship is homeported in Mayport, Florida. She was decommissioned in Mayport on March 28, 2014.

The FFG-49 class Oliver Hazard Perry has a displacement of 4,100, a length of 453', a 47' beam long and can reach the top speed of 29 knots. It is fitted with Mk 13 Guided Missile Launcher with RGM-84 Harpoon surface to surface missiles and RIM-66 Standard surface to air missiles, one 76 millimeter Mk 75 rapid-fire gun, six Mk 46 torpedoes, one Mk 15 Phalanx Close-in Weapon System (CIWS), two Sikorsky SH-60 Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) Mk III Seahawks.

The principal contractor supporting the refurbishment has not yet been selected for this potential sale. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.