US State Dept OKs potential sale of Abrams tanks to Bahrain

The United States has approved the sale of 50 advanced Abrams tanks to Bahrain in a deal worth $2.2 billion, the US State Department announced.

The deal aims to enhance Bahrain’s ability to counter current and future threats by providing a credible force that can deter adversaries and participate in regional operations with the United States and other partner nations.

The deal includes the supply of spare parts, ammunition, and training equipment, as well as the dispatch of 30 American contractors and one government official to Bahrain for up to five years to lead the training.

Bahrain is a major non-NATO ally and hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, which allows it to benefit from a distinguished defense cooperation with the United States.

The US State Department notified Congress on Tuesday of its approval to sell Bahrain 50 M1A2 Abrams tanks.

The M1A2 SEPv3 tank is currently the most advanced Abrams tank in service. The US Army had planned a relatively minor upgrade to the SEPv4 model, but the Army announced in September that it was canceling that plan in favor of developing a more ambitious version of the Abrams.

Here are some additional details about the deal:

• The tanks will be equipped with the latest technologies, including a new turret, a more powerful engine, and improved armor.
• The deal also includes the sale of spare parts, ammunition, and training equipment.
• The training will be conducted by US contractors and government officials.
• The deal is expected to take five years to complete.